UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As Penn State continues to navigate the unprecedented challenge of the coronavirus (COVID-19), many community members have asked what they can do to support students adversely impacted by process changes and campus closures. Through a newly launched effort, gifts to the Student Care & Advocacy Emergency Fund will be made available to students in financial need across the commonwealth who apply for emergency assistance.

Year-round, this emergency fund helps to provide support to students facing the unexpected. Under the present public health crisis, all new contributions to the fund will be directed toward those who, as a byproduct of protective measures against the coronavirus, are challenged to afford housing, transportation, basic needs and access to required resources for remote learning, or who are facing other unforeseen personal difficulties. Gifts can be made at raise.psu.edu/emergencyaid, and students at every Commonwealth Campus will have access to the funds raised.

Students in need of emergency assistance are encouraged to review support resources available through the Student Care and Advocacy office within Student Affairs, which includes a link to the Student Emergency Fund Application. Students also are encouraged to contact the office by email at studentcare@psu.edu.

Information on the University’s response to the global coronavirus outbreak is being regularly updated at psu.edu/virusinfo. For questions about how to support the Student Care & Advocacy Emergency Fund, call the Office of Annual Giving at 814-863-2052.