Los Rios sets up COVID-19 relief fund for students in need
Los Rios Colleges Foundation has raised over $100,000 for students affected by shutdown
The Los Rios Colleges Foundation will be raising funds for students in need of financial relief, during the shelter-in-place order. The maximum award will be $500 per student. (photo courtesy of Alexander Mills)
In response to all Los Rios Community College District campuses being shut down due to the coronavirus, Los Rios launched a COVID-19 relief fund to help out students impacted by the shutdown.
According to the relief fund website, through this fund, Los Rios will provide refurbished computers for students who don’t have one at home. The fund can also provide internet for low-income students and give grocery gift cards to students who have lost their income.
According to an email sent by LRCCD Chancellor Brian King, this fund helps students at all four Los Rios colleges; the maximum award available is $500.
According to Paula Allison, president of Los Rios Colleges Foundation, the fund has raised $104,690, with the total continuing to grow.
“So far we have helped 49 students with $500 student emergency fund grants in addition to grocery gift cards and Chromebooks for our students,” Allison said.
According to a statement issued on behalf of the college by Scott Crow, ARC’s public information officer, the college is thankful for all of the donations and encourages students to reach out for help if they are in need.
“ARC is very grateful for all those generous individuals and businesses who have donated to the Los Rios Colleges COVID-19 Relief Fund. That philanthropic support is making a very real difference in the lives of our students,” the statement read. “We encourage students who have an emergency need to submit an online application for the Student Emergency Fund or submit a request for a laptop.”
According to the foundation’s website, in order for a student to be eligible to apply for funding, they must be able to provide documentation showing they have a financial need from a sudden and unexpected situation.
Students who want to apply must also have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, be currently enrolled in at least six units at a Los Rios college and should not have previously received student emergency funds, among other requirements listed on the website.
According to the foundation’s website, the fund provides financial assistance which usually is provided within 24 hours.
Students can apply for the fund on the foundation’s website, foundation.losrios.edu.
