The Student Emergency Grant (SEG) provides one-time financial assistance to eligible students facing an unexpected emergency that may threaten their ability to remain enrolled, complete their current courses or secure employment after completing a career program.

Funded by the HCC Alumni Association, the HCC Foundation, and the Opportunity Fund, the SEG is administered by the Dean of Students Office. Applications are reviewed by a committee with representatives from Student Affairs, Financial Aid, Finance, and Advancement. The committee meets every two weeks; processing time is 1-3 weeks. One-time awards are typically up to $500, are not guaranteed, and do not require repayment.

Financial need is verified through the FAFSA, public assistance documentation, or other acceptable evidence. Priority is given to students who have not previously earned a college credential. Approved awards may affect financial aid eligibility.

College expenses are credited to the student's HCC account or Campus Store. Personal emergency expenses are generally paid directly to vendors or provided through gift cards. Only bills in the student’s name are eligible.

Applicants who cannot be funded may be referred to campus or community resources.

Eligible expenses include:

• Medical, housing, utility, transportation, or dependent care costs
• Emergency vehicle repairs
• Groceries and safety-related needs
• Replacement of essential items lost due to fire, theft, or natural disaster
• Required testing or licensure fees
• Tuition, fees, books, and course materials
   

Ineligible expenses include:

• Debt payments
• Non-essential utilities, including cell phone bills
   

SEG Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, students must:

• Be an actively enrolled, credential-seeking credit or non-credit HCC student.
• Have successfully completed at least one term at HCC and demonstrate progress toward meeting academic goals.
  • Transfer students may be considered with official transcripts demonstrating satisfactory academic progress and a low percentage of D, F, or W grades.
• Be experiencing an unforeseen, temporary financial emergency that can be resolved with a one-time grant. The fund is not intended for ongoing or chronic financial hardship.
• Demonstrate financial need through processed FAFSA, documentation of public assistance, or other acceptable evidence.
• Demonstrate a viable financial plan to complete their educational program at HCC. College requires ongoing financial resources, and emergency funds are intended to address unexpected setbacks - not replace long-term financial planning. Applicants without a realistic plan to pay for their education through completion will not be funded.
• Thoroughly complete the online Student Emergency Grant (SEG) application, including providing a detailed description of the emergency and how specifically grant assistance will help resolve it.