By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
PreferencesDenyAccept

Donate now to fund critical support for learners in crisis

DONATE NOW
Hear how Beyonce, a 3rd-year nursing student, was able to continue her studies due to a small microgrant from InsideTrack.

Every dollar makes a difference in a learner’s life

Donate now to fund critical, direct support to a learner experiencing an emergency situation. A small monetary grant at the right time can change the trajectory of a student's life, at a time when they may feel hopeless and unsure of where to turn.

Equity in education means all learners have access to the resources they need to succeed — exactly when they need them. From the 200,000+ learners we work with each year, we see that there are gaps in resources that need immediate attention — and our Crisis Support Services team works daily to bridge these gaps for learners. Without help, these individuals won’t have the resources they need to support themselves, let alone keep their education on track.

Everyday challenges can devastate the path to opportunity

A medical bill that makes other costs - like school - unaffordable

A broken down car that impacts transportation to school and work

A basic need for food, shelter or safety

How to give

Make a tax-deductible donation to our Emergency Support Fund today and directly help a learner in crisis. A microgrant can not only be the difference between stopping out and persevering on a learning pathway — it can show learners that we are here to support them through the obstacles life puts in their way, exactly when they need that support. There are two ways you can make a difference — by funding Emergency Support Microgrants or by funding general coaching support. Either way, all donations are:

  • Tax deductible

  • 100% secure

  • Used to directly benefit learners

DONATE NOW

Emergency support in action

Life-changing relief at a critical juncture
Due to extraordinary personal and financial hardships, this year was a difficult one for Clara-Beth. As a working parent pursuing her master’s degree, her inability to secure a stable, high-paying job that fit her kids’ schedule was stretching her finances thin. On top of that, she was dealing with a neighbor’s harassment and the subsequent legal proceedings. It was overwhelming. When Clara-Beth told her school she had to pause her program, InsideTrack’s Crisis Support Services team intervened and covered her rent that month. Beyond financial relief, this gave her time to stabilize her situation without the immediate threat of housing insecurity. It also provided emotional strength. “Knowing that there are compassionate individuals who genuinely care restored my hope and reaffirmed that I am not facing these challenges alone.”
A little extra help at exactly the right time
Alejandro, a hard-working student who was not eligible for financial or federal aid, was having trouble covering his monthly bills while pursuing his educational goals. An advisor from his school connected him to InsideTrack’s Crisis Support Services team and suggested they might be able to help him. Though initially hesitant about receiving any aid, Alejandro eventually agreed to accept the CSS support — and he’s incredibly thankful that he did. “Through the program and their generosity, I was able to cover practically all of my apartment bills that month and even received a laptop to help me with my studies. This has been extremely helpful and really helped lighten the stress of making ends meet at the end of the month.”
Removing an educational and emotional barrier 
After a grant from another organization never materialized, Raquel found herself owing $400 for textbooks, which she simply couldn’t cover. With both parents deceased and limited social support, Raquel had even been couch surfing before attending college to save money. InsideTrack’s Emergency Support Microgrant Program paid her debt so she could get the necessary course materials, register for spring classes and stay on track. "This microgrant directly helped with one of the most significant barriers to my education, the cost of textbooks…. Knowing that I had the resources I needed gave me a sense of security and confidence, enabling me to focus on my academic performance without the constant worry about affording essential learning tools. This support was invaluable in helping me succeed."
Staying connected to job opportunities
A driven young man, Ahsan was working with an InsideTrack re-enrollment coach to return to college and complete his degree, all while enduring a difficult job search. Despite his best efforts, finding stable employment proved challenging. A small yet significant obstacle, his unpaid phone bill hindered his ability to connect with potential employers and follow up on job opportunities. That’s when the InsideTrack Crisis Support Services team was able to connect with Ahsan and provide a $144.31 microgrant, covering three months of phone service. As a result, Ahsan was empowered to stay connected to job prospects, continue to work through the re-enrollment process, and advance forward toward his academic and career goals.
Meeting needs and alleviating stress 
While working on her degree, Taylor learned firsthand just how impactful InsideTrack’s Emergency Support Microgrant Program can be. "The support from this microgrant program has been a true lifesaver for me and my daughter, especially while dealing with the loss of my uncle and the hardships that followed.” Thanks to the Emergency Support Microgrants, Taylor and their daughter were able to get groceries when they really needed them, which went a long way to ease Taylor’s worry about meeting their basic needs. “This assistance doesn’t just fill our fridge — it gives us peace of mind and the strength to keep going through tough times. I’m so grateful for this program and how it helps families like mine stay stable and cared for when life gets hard."

As external resources dry up, it has been so helpful to have the microgrant available to the Crisis Support Services team. I have been able to assist learners with various needs — from gas money to drive to a crucial final exam, to groceries for a house-bound elderly woman who hadn’t had any vegetables in a year, to handling the DACA renewal fees of a learner who just lost her grandmother and had to pay funeral expenses. The relief and gratitude each learner felt was palpable.

Sarah Hassouneh

Crisis Support Specialist, InsideTrack

The microgrant has been such an amazing tool the team can fall back on. As supporters, we sometimes carry the stress of bringing resources to learners when they need it most but aren’t always able to find these resources in the community. Having the microgrant as a reliable resource has been a relief, especially as resources are dwindling and in situations where we’ve exhausted all other options.

Jesenia Cortez

Crisis Support Specialist, InsideTrack

The microgrant allows us the opportunity to redistribute funds and material resources directly to folks in need. The Crisis Support Specialist role is often a sort of short-term liaison to long-term support and care. With the many people we serve and the diverse circumstances we encounter, it becomes easy to pinpoint barriers or roadblocks. The microgrant encourages us to pinpoint a barrier and potentially offer a solution to someone in need. This allows us to support parents, folks that are undocumented, and those who would otherwise not qualify for many financial relief programs.

Angelica Ortiz

Former Crisis Support Specialist, InsideTrack