What is the Student Emergency Fund?

The Student Emergency fund is a short-term financial assistance program available to qualifying Chemeketa students experiencing an unforeseen financial crisis during the term . The resource is a one-time aid to help keep students in school and prevent students from withdrawing due to an unexpected financial crisis. The resource will support students in paying their vendor directly via a check or an online payment. Funding is limited.

Eligibility Requirements

• Financial hardship must have occurred during the current term.
• Students must have exhausted all available financial resources, including Financial Aid. 
• Must be currently enrolled at Chemeketa and actively participating in classes.
• Registered in classes that are part of a student's degree or certificate program. 
• Chemeketa must be listed as the home school with the Financial Aid Office.
• Must be in good standing with the Financial Aid Office; students on denied status are not eligible.
• A cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required (returning students only), new students' case by case. 
• Required documentation must be provided. (W9, utility statement, invoice, rental agreement, etc.) 
• Must respond to follow-up emails in a timely manner.
• Requests will not be considered during term breaks or for future terms.

Expenses Not Covered by the Student Emergency Fund include: 

• Regular, anticipated, ongoing, or non-emergency related expenses. 
• Non-essential utilities (i.e. cable, subscriptions, credit cards, loans, legal aid, car loans debt, etc.)
• Parking permits and tickets, library fines, and other fines
• Normal and anticipated academic expenses that are already covered through financial aid (i.e. tuition and fees) 
• Computer purchase or replacement
• Gift Card request

Application Process:

• Complete the Student Emergency Fund application: Student Emergency Fund Application 2025 -2026. The application will close by Week 10 or earlier if available funds run out. 
• Gather the required documentation that demonstrates financial need and provide evidence of the existence and cost of the hardship request. 
• Please allow 2-3 business days to hear back. Please follow up in a timely manner to ensure if eligible payment is provided as soon as possible. Additional documentation may be needed. 

Emergency fund awards will be distributed in a fashion appropriate to the request's needs. Additionally, funds may impact a student’s taxable income and may be reported to the IRS. Payments are made directly to the vendor/company the student is requesting funding for. 

For additional Chemeketa and community resources to help meet your basic needs, please visit the Student Resources page.

Donate to the Student Relief Fund

We are able to help students in need each term because of the generous contributions from members of our staff and our community. These funds offer life-changing support for the students who receive relief funds. To join the growing number of supporters, you can make a donation online through the Chemeketa Foundation.