The Community College of Aurora (CCA) has been awarded a $10,000 microgrant as part of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA’s) Emergency Aid Microgrant Initiative. Over 300 colleges and universities applied for this grant and only the top 5 were awarded. This funding will help the college provide critical support to students who meet eligibility requirements and are facing unexpected financial challenges that could disrupt their education.
Emergency expenses such as medical bills, car repairs, or housing instability, can derail a student’s academic progress. The CCA Student Advocacy Coaches work one-on-one with students to understand their circumstances and collaboratively create a personalized success plan to support both academic achievement and career readiness. Through this NAPSA microgrant, OSA Coaches may access a source of financial assistance to provide students who are experiencing crisis or emergency situations, helping them stay enrolled and focused on their educational goals.
“Through the Office of Student Advocacy, our team champions holistic wellbeing by offering proactive services that honor diverse lived experiences, foster self-advocacy and build a strong sense of belonging within our community,” said Andrea Rascón, Project Coordinator for the Office of Student Advocacy. “As living expenses continue to rise, ensuring basic needs support remains essential to making socioeconomic mobility through education a reality. NASPA’s Emergency Aid Microgrant will expand the Division of Student Success’ capacity to deliver timely assistance to students facing emergency situations, helping them stay enrolled and on track.” Students must meet with a Student Advocacy coach to learn more about eligibility for emergency assistance.
The grant is part of NASPA’s national effort to strengthen college retention by addressing non-academic barriers that disproportionately impact low-income and first-generation students. CCA will use the funds to expand its emergency aid resources and ensure students have access to the support they need, when they need it most.
“This microgrant underscores CCA’s ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive academic environment where students can persist and thrive, regardless of life’s unpredictable challenges,” added Rascón.
For more information about CCA’s Student Advocacy services, visit Office of Student Advocacy – Community College of Aurora.