Emory Students Create Fund for Peers in Need

By Martha Dalton

Atlanta – Two Emory University students have created a first-of-its kind "Hardship Fund" for their fellow students. The program provides emergency grants to students who've experienced catastrophic events.

The fund was started by Emory seniors Stephen Ratner and Jordan Stein. Ratner says the need for such a program dawned on him when he was conducting research for an education class, where he interviewed fellow students.

"They were wondering what they would do, already up to their head in financial loans, in student loans, if something catastrophic were to happen to them," he says.

The cost of tuition alone at Emory this year is $40,600. After a year of planning, the hardship fund officially began a month ago. So far, six students have received grants. A committee of three students, one faculty member, and one administrator reviews each application.

"We do ask that documentation be provided," Stein says, "So, if it involves, say, an illness of a family member or a job loss, we would request medical records, potentially, insurance records, a certificate of unemployment."

The program is financed solely by donations, and awards are capped at $500. Ratner says the award amount could increase as donations go up. The fund began with seed money of $5500 dollars; $2000 has been awarded so far.

For more information on Emory's Hardship Fund, click here