TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — As college students across Florida finish their first week of online learning, Tallahassee Community College is looking to help those who may need help.
Friday, TCC launched Eagle Relief, Support our Students campaign to help students who have been impacted financially by COVID-19.
$45,000 to be exact.
That financial goal should be able to cover some of the basic needs of their students affected by this crisis.
The campaign focuses on three things: General support for financial aid students, new technology for those who don't have access at home, and basic student needs.
Heather Mitchell, the executive director of TCC foundation, says this is necessary since most of the students are local.
"We want to make sure that we can remove barriers for these students to help them get through their learning journey whatever that might be," Mitchell said. "And we all know the great equalizer of getting anybody out of poverty is education."
Each area has its own price point. Basic student needs is allotted $26,000, new technology $18,000, and financial aid student support just under $1,000.
The money will also help Talon's Market with restocking food, laptops and other remote needs for students.
Student requests will be reviewed by a committee who examines need and availability of funds. This fund can only be awarded once a year, per person to a maximum of $250.
The application can be found here, Eagle Relief Form, and must be submitted to the Case Manager, Maria Santos, at santosm@tcc.fl.edu or the Student Services office SU 172.
And TCC is not the only college or university in town providing relief to their students.
Florida A&M University and Florida State University are also helping their students in this difficult time.
Larry Robinson, president of FAMU says a large number of their students get federal money as well.
"The circumstances around the coronavirus for them and their families are particularly acute," Robinson said. "In terms of their abiltiy to stay well financially."
Florida State University has introduced a Support our Students effort of their own. They call it SOS.
"Recognizing that some of them had financial challenges, we reached out to our alumni and friends for an opportunity to contribute,"said Thomas Jennings, of FSU. "Our hope is that many people will find this a meaningful way for themselves to help others get throught this crisis."
Every school, making sure their students are top priority while they are away from the physical classroom.
