Ikayuusiaq Student Hardship Fund
The purpose of the Ikayuusiaq Student Hardship Fund is to provide limited, last-resort, financial assistance to currently enrolled students who are experiencing a sudden emergency, accident, ongoing financial or food insecurity due to income loss or other issue, or unforeseen event that requires additional emergency monetary assistance in order to support their ability to stay enrolled and focused on their academics.
The fund was inspired by Dr. George S. McClellan, a longtime advocate of student services within higher education and mentor to Iḷisaġvik College’s former Dean of Students, Dr. Hal Haynes, Jr. Former Dean Haynes provided the original foundation of the Ikayuusiaq Student Hardship Fund with his generous donations, and many other donors and grantors have helped provide continual funding since the origination.
Award amounts may be up to $300 per occurrence and are awarded up to two (2) times per year. Students may receive funding only once per semester (see example under "Eligibility Criteria,” below). This assistance is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis and is dependent on the availability of funds.
Applying for aid does not guarantee that you will be awarded emergency funding. The decisions regarding the disbursement of funds are made on a case-by-case basis by the Ikayuusiaq Student Hardship Fund committee. Hardship Fund awards do not require repayments.
Eligibility Criteria
● Applicants must be currently enrolled at Iḷisaġvik during the semester they seek financial assistance and must be taking a minimum of 6 credits within a semester.
● Applicants must have a nonrecurring emergency, accident, or unforeseen event, or ongoing financial or food insecurity due to income loss or similar situation, that has to be taken care of right away.
● Other possible financial resources must have been considered and deemed insufficient or not available in a timely manner.
● Preference will be given to first-time applicants.
● Applicants may apply only once per semester, up to two (2) times per year.
- Example: If a student applies during the spring semester, they must wait until the summer or fall semester to apply again (a student cannot apply in January of the spring semester, and again in March of the spring semester in the same year).
Application Process
Students will need to complete the online application (Google form). After submitting the online application, you will be contacted by a representative of the Ikayuusiaq Student Hardship Fund committee. If approved, you will receive a notification detailing how you will receive the funds.
Examples of hardships and emergencies include, but are not limited to:
● Travel for the death of an immediate family member.
● Theft of computers, textbooks, or other academic equipment.
● Need for season-appropriate clothing or clothing necessary for work or job interviews.
● Food insecurity or bill-paying issues due to sudden or sustained income loss.
Note: Student hardship grants will not be given for tuition costs, college debts, or legal representation.
Apply To The Ikayuusiaq Student Hardship Fund
Want to help a student experiencing an unexpected event or hardship?
Donations to the Student Hardship Fund can be made by mail or online.
By Mail:
Please make the check payable to Iḷisaġvik College and add the purpose of “Student
Hardship Fund” in the check memo.
Mail check to:
Iḷisaġvik College
Attn: Business Office
PO Box 749
Utqiaġvik (Barrow), AK 99723