Grant will help NICC's Student Crisis Fund

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, just 20 percent of full-time students at public two-year institutions earn a degree within three years.  Financial emergencies are among the reasons so many students abandon their studies before they complete their degrees or certificates.

So Northeast Iowa Community College say they're pleased the school has received a $37,200 grant from Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation's new Dash Emergency Grant Program.  The money will help NICC offer emergency funding over the next two-and-a-half years to students who also receive Federal Pell Grant assistance.

As part of the grant, NICC is examining how the college can grow the support for the Student Crisis Fund beyond its current level.  Volunteers have raised over $85,000 from two annual fund-raising events, which has been used to assist over 250 students.  Said NICC Associate Dean of Student Services Chris Woodson, "We are hoping to continue the strong support base from faculty, staff and students and are looking at ways to build partnerships with other potential donors."