Student Emergency Fund

All Hornets have struggles…but not all have the same resources.

The SUNY Broome Student Emergency Fund, established during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a way to support the needs of our students through the hard times they may face during their time at the college.

Students may apply for a grant of up to $500.00 per year from the Student Emergency Fund.

Financial insecurity is an ongoing issue for many of our students, and a sudden emergency can derail their college plans. We hope this support will help our students feel confident that, though times may be challenging, SUNY Broome is here to help them continue their education. We know that, even when we are not experiencing a pandemic, 87% of our students have documented financial need.

We are committed to maintaining this fund. Together, we can help SUNY Broome students going through tough times stay in college and move into a brighter tomorrow.

Your gift can make a difference — join us today!

Gifts to the Student Emergency Fund will help with essential non-tuition-related expenses such as:

  • Unexpected medical bills
  • Housing costs
  • Transportation costs
  • Utility costs
  • Other emergency situations

“Our students have demonstrated remarkable persistence through countless challenges and barriers. Students do not get to choose when an emergency occurs which may threaten their ability to pay rent or buy school materials. The funding can make a world of difference and allow the students to persist in achieving their goals.”

David M. Michalak (LAAA ’13)SUNY Broome Academic Advisor & Faculty Association Vice President

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62% of SUNY Broome students are natives of Broome County, which has a poverty rate 4% higher than the national average. 88.5% of SUNY Broome students range in age from under 18 to 29. This age demographic is the most vulnerable to poverty, both in Broome county at 34.9% and in New York state at 26%. Individuals with an associate degree will earn 18% to 26% more income annually than those with only a high school diploma. Helping students on their path to graduation creates more greater economic security in their future.

Community college students are more vulnerable to food insecurity than their peers at four year colleges. A Food Insecurity study found that 13.3% of community college students belonged to a food insecure household in 2015. During the 2008 economic recession that estimate was 7.4% higher. According to a Food Pantry report by the SUNY System Administration’s Food Insecurity Task Force, SUNY students in the Southern Tier made 30,000 visits to a campus or campus-partnered food pantry in 2019.

An education study in 2017 estimated one-third of two-year students are housing insecure with about 14% experiencing homelessness. It also found that, among housing insecure community college students, the most common challenges were paying rent, mortgage or utility bills.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, SUNY Broome hosted the Foodbank of the Southern Tier for food distribution to about 500 needy Broome county families – some of which were likely students. Regardless of your life stage, unexpected bills and unforeseen events can damage someone’s financial situation. Challenging times for college students can derail their entire educational plan. Most students count on financial aid to pay for college but not all college expenses are covered. Having to worry about basic needs will make it even harder for students to stay in school. SUNY Broome offers help with the Hornet Hope Center, our food pantry and clothing closet; a daycare center; counseling; and many other services. Your gift will help students meet all of their needs, academic and beyond.