Foundation creates Eagles Rise fund to assist students impacted by pandemic
CHADRON – In response to the economic and social disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chadron State Foundation created the Eagles Rise Student Relief Fund to help students achieve their academic goals throughout the crisis and its still unknown future.
The Foundation Board of Directors has committed up to $50,000 to create a matching fund that will be used to offset hardships faced by students, especially those whose needs will not be covered by the federal Coronavirus Aid Relief Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress at the end of March, said Foundation Chief Executive Officer Ben Watson.
“There are some students who are facing challenges that the CARES Act doesn’t address or can’t address. That’s where we want to be able to help,” Watson said. “The Eagles Rise fund came together to work along with the CARES Act to help our students who are in need and impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.”
Reports from Chadron State employees show students are facing financial pressures and uncertainties including food insecurity, loss of income, and housing as the spring semester draws to a close, and without additional support may not be able to continue in the fall or enroll as new freshmen.
Once funded, the Eagles Rise Fund will create $100,000 to offset some of those needs. In addition, the Foundation has created a separate account for donations to support the ongoing food pantry for students recently set up through the Chadron State College Library.
“For many people the immediate response to any natural disaster or other calamitous event is ‘How can I help,’” Watson said. “The Eagles Rise fund is for those who are able and feel Chadron State is the place they would like to help. This gives them an opportunity.”
Donations to the Eagles Rise Student Relief Fund can be made online.
Category: Campus News