Richland Gives: Helping College Students in Need

November 21, 2024

College life can be stressful for many reasons and sometimes situations arise that are totally out of a student’s control. That’s why The Ohio State University at Mansfield is proud to partner with Richland Gives – a local nonprofit that supports individuals across Richland County.

This year, Ohio State Mansfield is raising funds for the Student Emergency Fund – a special fund that provides emergency financial relief for students facing emergencies and unforeseen expenses. This includes medical bills, living expenses, car repairs and other expenses that can compromise a student’s educational experience and even compromise graduation.

“When one in four Americans has less than a thousand dollars saved, it’s hard to expect a student to be able to have enough money to survive an emergency,” said Kendra Boggs, financial aid coordinator at Ohio State Mansfield. “I have noticed an increase in homeless and housing-insecure students. Students have a lot more financial need and a lot more mental and emotional needs and this fund helps alleviate some of that anxiety.”

Students must apply for the funds and then a committee of five decides if the application meets the requirements of an emergency. If so, a student can receive up to $1,000 per academic year, depending on the availability of funds.

Gracyn Shupp is a 2024 graduate of Ohio State Mansfield with a degree in social work. She credits the Emergency Fund for helping her complete her education.

“As a full-time student with a disability, I’m very thankful this grant exists. With the support of the Emergency Fund, I had the ability to cut back on hours when my health needed more attention. Without the support, I would have had to withdraw from classes and put my education on hold, without knowing when I would be able to continue. This fund helps many students in situations that are unpredictable.”

As dean and director of Ohio State Mansfield, Jason Opal knows the impact the Emergency Fund provides for those in need.

“Richland Gives is one of a few programs that directly assist our students and our campus. Unfortunately, many of our young people are struggling with financial stresses and shortages, which make the usual challenges of college that much more daunting. We do everything we can to help them, but we rely in turn on the goodwill and benevolence of the wider community.”

Now through Dec. 3, your gift can make a difference in the life of a college student in need by supporting the Emergency Fund. Help us reach our goal of $10,000 and help students at Ohio State Mansfield reach their goal of graduation. 

This Giving Tuesday, donate through Ohio State's platform  or through Richland County Foundation's Richland Gives.

Your donation via either preferred platform will help us reach the goal of $10,000 to provide resources for our most vulnerable students .