Northeastern Illinois University was selected as a 2022 Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving, Hope (PATH) Scholarship recipient through the Ellucian Foundation. The award comes with $10,000 to support students facing economic hardship.
Executive Director of Financial Aid, Scholarships and Student Employment Maureen Amos said these funds will be used to support the Student Emergency Fund.
“Since 2018, the Student Emergency Fund has provided emergency financial support to currently enrolled students who are unable to meet essential expenses due to temporary or unexpected hardships,” Amos said. “Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many NEIU students were experiencing economic hardship, food insecurities, health conditions, unreliable internet access and child care needs. Unfortunately, due to high need the current fund, which was generated by private donations, is depleted.”
The PATH Scholarship will help replenish some of that much-needed student aid. The Ellucian Foundation—established in 2020 by the leading technology solutions provider for higher education Ellucian—has provided 65 eligible higher education institutions with more than $1 million in grants, delivering scholarship awards to more than 1,100 students across the country.
“Education has the power to transform lives,” President and CEO of Ellucian Laura Ipsen said. “This year we are focused on support for students facing financial hardships at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and all Minority Serving Institutions in the U.S. as more focus is needed to ensure higher retention and graduation rates, and address the critical issues of growing food insecurity. HBCUs and all MSIs represent an incredible cross-section of colleges and universities committed to providing access to higher education. We are pleased to support these institutions in their efforts to ensure all students can achieve their dreams without interruption.”
Northeastern received its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in 1997. It is the longest-standing four-year public HSI in the Midwest. In the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this funding comes at a critical time for Northeastern students.
"The Ellucian Foundation supports student success and increased access to higher education globally," Executive Director of the Ellucian Foundation Jennifer Welding said. "No student should ever be denied an education due to lack of funding. The PATH Scholarship helps students navigate through financial challenges to reach their educational goals."
Northeastern students in need of financial assistance are encouraged to complete the Student Emergency Fund application. The Student Emergency Fund Committee meets weekly to review and discuss applications to determine need and awards.
Donations to the Student Emergency Fund can be made through the NEIU Foundation.
