Purpose: The Orca Student Success Emergency Fund is an emergency grant that serves to provide WCC student recipients with a resource to address acute, unexpected circumstances that would halt their academic progress. 

WCC Community:: If a student does not qualify for emergency funding, or there is no additional emergency funding available at a particular time in the academic year, WCC will connect students to other support systems and non-monitory resources as well.

Guidelines: 

1. Students can receive up to $3500 per academic year, regardless of how many times they apply.
2. Funding is not available for individuals only enrolled in community education courses.
3. A student must be enrolled in classes for the quarter at the time of request.
4. Academic progress will be assessed as part of the application review process.
5. A complete Orca Student Success Emergency Fund application includes an explanation of the emergency, the student’s plan/next steps, and supporting documentation of expenses. This ensures a timely review of the application.
6. Funding is not intended to fill in for late FAFSA/WASFA applications and cannot be used toward tuition.
7. Applications are reviewed to ensure completion and to check for other resource options.
8. The Emergency Fund Committee may determine that a student should be referred to alternate support opportunities or community support.
9. Additional information may be requested for clarification before an application is reviewed by the committee.

Procedures:

1. A notification will be sent to student applicants via email letting them know whether they were selected for emergency funding.
2. An award notification will include the amount, and a rejection notice will include a list of alternative resources.
3. If awarded, the disbursement of funds will go through the Financial Aid portal in CTC Link and paid via BankMobile.
4. Typically, award distributions will be occur within two weeks.

Documentation:

Please attach all necessary supporting documentation to the application. See examples below.  
*An application is incomplete without sufficient supporting documentation.

Examples of Eligible Costs & Documentation:

Childcare: student is parent of a dependent with unforeseen circumstances requiring childcare when no other resources are available. This excludes ongoing and regular childcare. Suggested documentation: receipts or copies of checks to care provider.

Medical/Dental: student has an unforeseen and necessary medical/dental care or emergency care not covered by insurance. Suggested documentation: bill from provider after insurance.

Transportation/Travel: student relies on a vehicle that needs repairs such as brakes, tires, batteries, etc. Suggested documentation: receipt from repair or recent estimate showing required repair or maintenance along with copy of vehicle registration, insurance, etc.

Housing: assistance with deposit when moving necessitated by unexpected landlord issues or extenuating circumstances, short‐term rental assistance, utilities, living expenses, etc. Suggested documentation: lease agreement, bills, or other receipts for expenses.

Domestic or Intimate Partner Violence: assistance with costs associated with departing a situation associated with Domestic or Intimate Partner Violence. Suggested documentation: bills, or other receipts for expenses.

Academic Program or Technology Expenses: student has one‐time testing/licensing fee required for their academic program that is not covered by financial aid or needs internet access or technology to support virtual learning, etc.