Yellow Jacket Emergency Aid Program

Program Overview

West Virginia State University’s Yellow Jacket Emergency Aid Program provides assistance to students who are experiencing unforeseen and unexpected financial emergencies.  The goal is to ensure our students stay in school despite these financial hardships, meet their educational goals, and are positioned for long-term success.  Assistance is granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability or national origin.

To learn more about the program, please open the links below.


 

Eligibility Criteria

Note the eligibility criteria:

• Undergraduate, full or part-time degree seeking student
• Enrolled during the term in which they are seeking aid, including summer
• Currently meeting WVSU's satisfactory academic progress requirments

Even if you do not initially qualify under the above criteria, please apply!!  We may be still be able to fund your need with other WVSU Emergency Aid Funding provided by generous community donors.

Covered Expenses

Note these covered (and not covered) expenses:
 

Eligible Expenses	Not Eligible Expenses
Utilities Housing/Rent Food Medical Transportation Childcare	School Expenses such as: Books Tuition Supplies Required tools/equipment Parking Fines

If your need does not fall under the eligible expenses above, please apply!!  We may still be able to meet your need with other WVSU Emergency Aid Funding generously provided by community donors.

STEP 1: Online Application

STEP 1: Online Application

Students must create an online account and submit their applications through the Ascendium Application Portal.  Applications will require a statement of need and supporting documentation (additional information regarding the statement of need and supporting documentation are provided below).

Statement of Need

The Statement of Need is a one-page statement explaining the emergency and describing how the funds will be used. All of the following should be addressed:

1. Briefly explain the nature of the emergency and how the grant being requested will be used.
2. How would this grant assist you in remaining in school?
3. How were you supporting yourself prior to the emergency? Why are you unable to do so now?
4. The emergency grant is for short-term assistance only. Please provide as many relevant details as possible about your plan for supporting yourself in the future.    

 
Supporting Documentation

Examples of supporting documentation include:

• Overdue utilities: utility bills must show an overdue balance and/or include a shut-off notice
• Homelessness due to loss of housing: eviction notice and/or rent statement showing overdue rent, letter from shelter verifying your stay, or other relevant documentation
• Childcare: statement or letter from childcare provider indicating past due balance
• Transportation: invoice for required car repairs
• Recent financial hardship: letter from your employer, WV Department of Labor, unemployment status or statement of benefits, last 3 paystubs showing decrease of hours worked, or other relevant documentation
• Theft or loss of essential personal belongings: police report or incident report
• Medical bills from uncovered dental or medical procedures: invoices from the doctor’s office or hospital, explanation of benefits letter from your insurance company denying you coverage
• Travel for illness or death in the immediate family: letter from family doctor, funeral parlor, death certificate and/or relevant travel documents
• Destruction of living quarters due to fire or natural disaster: letter or statement from the Red Cross, FEMA, other emergency organization or insurance carrier

STEP 2: Interview with the Program Assistant

STEP 2: Interview with the Program Assistant

Once the online application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by the Program Assistant, Ms. Kira Case. Ms. Case will then follow-up with students whose applications meet the eligibility requirements to schedule an appointment to discuss next steps. During the appointment, the application and supporting documentation will be discussed, and any questions will be answered.
 

Step 3: Application Submission Complete

Step 3: Application Submission Complete

Once the application is complete and all supporting documentation has been submitted, students will receive an email regarding the status of their applications within two business days.

Students approved for financial assistance will be required to complete online money management training at GradReady.


 

Assistance Payments

Assistance Payments

• Award amounts vary based on individual circumstances, and most awards will not exceed $500. 
• The maximum award amount is $1,000.
• Students may apply for emergency assistance during the fall, spring, or summer semesters, but must be enrolled during the semester they apply.
• Students can receive more than one emergency grant through this program, but the total amount awarded cannot exceed $1000. 
• In most cases, payment will be issued to a third party (landlord, utility company, daycare agency, etc.).
• Award payments will be available within 2 business days.