SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 24, 2020 — Drury University has set up a three-pronged effort to help students financially as the coronavirus pandemic stretches on, including sending direct stimulus payments to most students.
Two of the efforts are the direct result of swift action by the institution to secure approximately $1.2 million in CARES Act funding from the federal government, which is intended to be used as emergency aid for students. The third effort will be propelled by the generosity of Drury donors and alumni.
Drury will soon begin distributing a portion of emergency aid from the CARES Act in the form of electronic transfer of funds to students. Drury has decided direct payments – with no strings attached and no application process – are the most efficient and effective way to do so.
“Students can use the money to help cover any expense related to the disruption of their educational due to COVID, whether that be tuition, food and housing, course materials, technology, health care, childcare, travel expenses or a variety of other necessities,” says Drury President Dr. Tim Cloyd. “We know many are struggling to make ends meet, and while this may not solve all of their financial challenges, we hope it will provide some immediate relief.”
Most Drury students – including day school, non-traditional, and graduate students – will receive funds, with amounts between $600 and $1,000 based on their financial need as determined by the results of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students will see the funds deposited in their BankMobile account within two weeks.
This new fund has been established with a portion of the $1.2 million from the CARES Act. It is intended to help students who are still finding it difficult to make ends meet and need one-time financial support to help with tuition or other costs associated with education. Students receiving the federally-funded grants can apply by filling out the application and providing supporting documentation located on MyDrury.
This new donor-supported fund will help students bridge financial gaps through May 2021 in order to ensure they can continue their studies and persist to graduation.
“As a private institution, Drury has a deep tradition of supporting student success through the generosity of caring donors,” says Wayne Chipman, executive vice president of university advancement. “The Annual Drury Experience Fund has long been the primary way donors can directly support student scholarships and financial aid. The new COVID-19 Student Support Fund provides an additional, highly targeted way for donors to support Drury students in unprecedented times.”
For more information about supporting the fund, go to www.drury.edu/givenow. In a new video message released recently, Life Trustee and former board chairman John Beuerlein, ’75, addresses fellow alumni and donors about how giving during a crisis is an act of leadership.
Students can find a short grant application form for the COVID-19 fund on the Drury website at www.drury.edu/student-support.
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