Aid available to UWM students facing financial crisis

March 30 update: While most emergency grant funds have been awarded, UWM continues to raise money for additional aid. Some funds are still available for students who attended Milwaukee Public Schools or Milwaukee Area Technical College through the M³ initiative. All students are encouraged to review the Student Handbook to learn about resources.

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Three programs may be able to help relieve financial hardship that many UWM students are experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. They include an emergency grant provided through the Dean of Students Office, short-term, interest-free loans for UW Credit Union members, and limited rations from the UWM Food Center and Pantry.

The emergency grant can be used to help with expenses such as:

  • Academic and technology expenses for distance learning
  • Food and personal items
  • Housing/moving expenses
  • Emergency travel

UWM students who are currently enrolled at least half time, maintain a 2.0 grade point average for undergraduates and a 3.0 for graduate students, and have no disciplinary holds are eligible to apply for funds.

Dean of Students Office will disburse funds directly to a third party for students who are awarded an emergency grant.

The number of recipients and amount of funding provided will be determined by the Dean of Students Office. Contact the Dean of Students Office at dos@uwm.edu to discuss your situation.

The UWM Emergency Grant is made possible by donations. Therefore, if the fund is depleted, no awards will be offered until additional funding is available. Donations can be made online.

Short-term personal loans

Another resources for students in need is a short-term, interest-free personal loan offered to existing UW Credit Union members. The loans offer:

  • Up to $2,500
  • Available for all credit tiers
  • No application fee, monthly service fees or prepayment penalties
  • No payments and no interest for the first 90 days.

For more information go to the UW Credit Union website.

UWM Food Center and Pantry

The campus food pantry has been distributing one bag containing a variety of groceries per visit at Student Union Kenwood Boulevard Circle Drive entrance.

However, on March 19, the campus food pantry gave out more than 200 bags of food totaling about 2,000 pounds, completely depleting its stock. As a result, the pantry will not be open Monday, March 23. The next distribution date will be Thursday, March 26. Check operating hours and get more info on the food pantry webpage.

Anyone who wants to donate to the food pantry can do so using the pantry’s Amazon wishlist and have items sent to 2200 E Kenwood Blvd., ATTN: Food Center & Pantry, Milwaukee, WI 53211. Or you can donate money online.

A list of other local food pantries can be found at the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service website.

Students in need are encouraged to reach out to the Dean of Students (dos@uwm.edu), who can help direct them to appropriate resources. Students can find a growing list of resources here.

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