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Emergency Funding

The Summer Quarter 2025 Emergency Fund Application. You can find the emergency funding application link here when it re-opens. The Fall Quarter 2025 Application will open 10 days after the beginning of Fall Quarter.

Emergency Funds

Emergency funds offer one-time financial help to currently registered students experiencing an immediate or emergent financial hardship that will hinder their ability to persist in education at Seattle Central.

An immediate or emergent financial need is defined by a life event, unexpected financial burden or necessary expense that provides short-term financial instability. Some examples are:

  • Involuntary Loss of Wages/hours (within past 60 days)
  • Housing Instability unrelated to ongoing non-payment
  • Stolen property related to education (books, computer, phone)
  • Sudden involuntary relocation (domestic violence, unsafe housing
  • Car repair cost after insurance (general maintenance not considered)

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 2.0 GPA
  • No outstanding tuition balance
  • Currently enrolled in a minimum of 5 college level credits
  • FAFSA on file (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)/WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid)
  • Funding cannot exceed unmet need
  • Funding not available for continuing-ed or self-paced students
  • Degree or certificate seeking at Seattle Central

Committee consideration:

Persistence: How will this short-term assistance help the student stay in school and persist through the quarter?

Resolution: What is the resolution? Have all other financial resources been exhausted? What other connections/referrals can be made? What plan or resources will the student be utilizing after receiving the emergency funds?

Documentation: Is the student providing adequate documentation and proof of financial need? Is the documentation adequate to inform us about a resolution? Does the documentation include a dollar amount associated with the emergency the student is requesting assistance with? 

Types of funding not considered:

  • Supplemental income and expenses
  • Past debt
  • Ongoing financial instability (more bills than income, personal loan debt, payday loans)
  • We cannot cover tuition, fees, books, or supply expenses. These expenses should be covered through financial aid, scholarships, and student income. 

Awards are considered up to $1,000. Requests above $1,000 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Funding above $1,500 cannot be considered. Applications will be reviewed the Tuesday following submission; applicants may be asked to provide further documentation or clarification if the committee is unable to determine their eligibility. Application determinations will be sent to students on or before the Friday following the review.