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
arrow

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

Learning to drive — and gaining independence
Kim, a student enrolled in a career coaching program, found herself feeling isolated and overwhelmed while she battled a chronic illness. Without a driver’s license or a strong community around her, she struggled to juggle medical appointments, work and personal goals. To help her gain freedom and independence to balance her ever-demanding commitments, Kim’s dream was to learn how to drive. When she was connected to the InsideTrack Crisis Support Services team, they recognized her determination and the impact that driving would have on her life, and they provided her with five one-hour driving lessons at a cost of $236.00 — a crucial step towards balancing her obligations and achieving her dreams.
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. 
Creating a sense of normalcy in a time of upheaval
Natalie and her husband were doing well — both working, supporting their son with autism, and supporting Natalie as she completed her degree. Then a hurricane hit and everything changed. They lost power and access to water. Washed-out roads made it impossible for Natalie’s husband, a truck-driver hauling local timber, to work. Natalie was doing her best to pick up extra shifts at work to pay for food, putting thoughts of school on the back-burner. InsideTrack quickly reached out to learners affected by the hurricane, including Natalie. The CSS team not only provided a $267.20 microgrant for groceries, but they also took the time to learn about her son’s particular diet in order to reduce the number of changes he would have to deal with all at once. 
Putting your best foot forward
Jayce is a neurodivergent young man with a Bachelor of Arts, working on getting into a master’s program. As a foster youth, he was connected with an InsideTrack coach while he was experiencing housing insecurity and searching for a job that could help him gain stability. But how could he present his best self to potential future employers when he didn’t have a single pair of shoes appropriate for job interviews? His coach connected him with the Crisis Support Services team, who used a microgrant for $83.99 to buy him that pair of shoes. With new footwear and new confidence, Jayce is able to continue his search for employment and hopes to land a job soon.
Unlocking an account hold to start a new journey
Maya was working toward her associate’s degree. She had already applied and was accepted to a four-year university to continue on her desired career pathway. However, throughout the acceptance process, Maya was experiencing houselessness, and needed to accelerate the housing decision process at her new institution. Unfortunately, a $582 credit transfer fee with her community college left a hold on her account — one which she was unable to pay, and therefore unable to apply for housing options at her new university. The microgrant Maya received paid the account hold and allowed her to move forward with housing options — putting her closer to beginning her education at her new school.

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