Students Benefit from Emergency Grant Amid COVID-19

Central Piedmont's Emergency Fund provides short-term financial support to students and employees experiencing financial emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Fund is being supported by a challenge gift from a generous, anonymous donor who will match all contributions to the Emergency Fund on a dollar-for-dollar basis up to $100,000.

Your support will be doubled and your impact magnified thanks to the generosity of this challenge gift. The Emergency Fund is already providing assistance to address needs related to food, housing, utilities, medical care, childcare, and technology. Make an immediate impact with your gift to Central Piedmont's Emergency Fund at cpccfoundation.org/donation.

In their own words, students share what the grants have meant to them in this challenging time:

"I often have to stretch my money thin and make sacrifices to devote enough time to my studies. With that and the current situation making jobs hard to find and keep, I was looking at several behind payments and a looming uncertainty in my very near future. I can, with peace of mind, continue with my studies, without the dread of being behind on bills to scare me into quitting." - Sarar A.

"The [Emergency Fund] grant allowed me a relief from financial stress caused by the pandemic and being laid off. I was at risk of being homeless and having my internet cut off. Of course, not having internet while taking a full load of online classes is not ideal. I am forever grateful in this time of uncertainty to have received this emergency grant."
- Grace T.

"Because of COVID-19, my semester was jeopardized, and I would not have been able to successfully complete the year. Thanks to the emergency grant I am able to pay my rent and finish the semester strong." - Lauren Z.

"This grant has really helped me; now I can focus and concentrate on school and not have to stress over how I will make ends meet this month." - Shvonda P.

"I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude. The provided grant funds have immediately lessened the stress I had. It has academically boosted my ability to study and remain focused." - Abu K.

"I am so grateful for this program! It has relieved me of the burden of figuring how to pay my light bill and keep my lights on so I can continue with my education. I haven't been in this situation before, and if it weren't for this program, I don't know where I could have gone in the community for help. It's such a blessing! THANK YOU!!"
- Janelle N.

"This grant kept my lights on. Since I decided to return to CPCC full time, I was not able to work any overtime at work, and my bills got behind. This grant it gave me a peace of mind, and helped me keep my 4.0." - Roberta M.