General Resources

Emergency Grants

Emergency Grants helps students with an unexpected financial crisis that would cause them to not complete the term. To request a UWM Emergency Grant or Universities of Wisconsin Emergency Grant, go to the Panther Scholarship Portal. You will first have to answer the 4 required questions for the General Scholarship Application. Then, you can complete the UWM Emergency Grant Application. Include any documentation you have of your bills/expenses. These should be detailed with your name, date, the expense(s), etc.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, contact the Office of Student Scholarships.

Internet Access & Laptops

Borrow devices via the UWM Laptop Loan Program or explore community-based internet resources.

• UWM Computer Labs
• UWM Laptop Loan Program
• Google Chromebooks. Available at the UWM Library. Google Chromebooks may be loaned for a maximum of 7 days.
• UWM Surplus often has reasonably priced computers and laptops available for sale (many for $50 or $100). Go to the Shop UWM Surplus Facebook page to view inventory or contact UWM Surplus by email or phone at 414-659-1391. Surplus is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment only. It is located in the University Services and Research Building north of North First St. and East Capital Drive. 
• Internet and Computer Resources: compiled by the City of Milwaukee. The resources include free/reduced priced devices, internet subsidies, and Milwaukee Public Library resources. 
• Local Libraries. Some local libraries have laptops and WIFI hotspots to check out. Check out the Milwaukee Country Library – Library of Things Checkout List. To get a library card, you typically need an ID and a bill that shows your address (lease, utility bill, etc.)

Medical Bills & Health Insurance

Get healthcare support from the UWM Health Center, prescription assistance programs, and Badger Care Plus.

Medical Bills

In general, if students need help with medical bills they can call the billing office and ask for a Financial Counselor or a Case Manager. Here is the information for a few local hospital networks:

• Columbia St. Mary’s/Ascension Financial Assistance
• Aurora Financial Assistance
• Froedtert Financial Assistance

Low-Cost Prescriptions

• UWM Health Center: offers several common prescriptions and over the counter medications for a low cost.
• GoodRx: free program that offers discounts on prescriptions.
• Prescription Drug Company Discounts. Google “rebate” and the name of your prescription to see if there are discounts advertised online. You many also try contacting the drug company directly to see if they have any programs to help people who cannot afford prescriptions. Often they do (e.g., here is one for Humira). 

Health Insurance

• Badger Care Plus: Wisconsin’s public health care program. This may be an option if you have no or low income.
• Health Insurance Marketplace: The annual Open Enrollment Period for Health Insurance Marketplace coverage generally takes place from November 1 through January 15 each year.

Heath Care Providers (Free, Low-Cost, or Sliding Scale)

• UWM Student Health & Wellness Center: Call 414-229-7429 for Medical Services and 414-229-4133 for Counseling Services. You can also check out UWM’s Community Referral Database to find providers in the community that meet your criteria.
• UWM Psychology Clinic: offers low-cost assessment and psychotherapy services to the Milwaukee community. Call 414-229-5521 for services.
• Marquette Dental Clinic: offers low-cost dental services to the Milwaukee community. Call 414-288-6790 for services.
• Free & Low Cost Health Care Clinics
• Mental Health Emergency Center: Milwaukee County psychiatric emergency department. Call 414-966-3030.
• Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division: 414-257-7665. (Psychiatric assessment, Medication evaluation, brief crisis counseling and/or referrals to outpatient.  Refers to Outreach Clinic for long-term medication). 
• Marquette Center for Psychological Services: outpatient mental health training clinic offering low-cost assessment and psychotherapy services to the Milwaukee community. Call 414-288-3487 for services. 
• Center for Psychotherapies: (St. Joseph’s Hospital) is a community resource for the treatment of individuals with a wide variety of emotional challenges. The Psychotherapy center has an adjustable fee structure. Call 414 803-4077 for services.
• Aurora Family Service: offers family counseling, credit counseling, senior care services, and money management services. Call 414-345-4941 for services.
• Lutheran Social Services: offers counseling for children and adults, substance use services, housing assistance, refugee services, and disability resources. Call 414-967-3900 for services. 
• Samaritan Family Wellness: offers outpatient community counseling on a sliding scale payment fee (accepts Medicaid and Medicare). Call 414-964-4357 for services. 

Clothing Resources

Obtain professional attire from the UWM Career Closet or find affordable options at local clothing banks.

• UWM Career Closet: clothing for students to use during job interviews.
• Clothing Banks and Low Cost Clothing. This list was compiled by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. Several of the resources are open to anyone.

Free Store

The Off Campus Resource Center Free Store is a welcoming, donation-powered space located within the Off-Campus Resource Center, designed to support UWM students by providing access to gently used home essentials at no cost. Students are encouraged to both give and take items, creating a sustainable cycle of sharing that benefits the entire campus community. From dishes and small appliances to décor, school supplies, and other everyday necessities, the Free Store makes it easy for students to find what they need without spending money, while also giving new life to items that might otherwise go unused. By participating, students not only save resources and reduce waste, but also contribute to a culture of community care and sustainability at UWM.

Resources for Students Who’ve Aged Out of Foster Care

Benefit from tailored support through UWM’s Fostering Success initiative.

• Fostering Success Program: UWM program that provides a social support network and resources for students who have aged our of foster care or who are homeless/unhoused.

Overall Assistance

Use Impact 211 to connect with community resources addressing a variety of student challenges.

• Impact: Students can call 211 or visit their website to get connected to a wide range of resources in the community.  
• Local Libraries. Some local libraries have laptops and WIFI hotspots to check out. Check out the Milwaukee Country Library – Library of Things Checkout List. To get a library card, you typically need an ID and a bill that shows your address (lease, utility bill, etc.)