REACH FOR YOURSELF
You deserve options before you give up.
Start with the problem in front of you—money, food, housing, academics, belonging, or your mental health—and take one supported next step.
Immediate danger: call 911. Mental-health crisis: call or text 988. Local food, housing, and essentials: dial 211.
STEP 01Stabilize today
Handle the barrier most likely to interrupt school first.
- Food, housing, utilities, transportation, childcare, books, and technology
- Campus emergency grants, student affairs, dean of students, and financial aid
- Local benefits and community assistance
STEP 02Fund your education
Stack federal, state, institutional, private, and EFF opportunities.
- Complete or correct the FAFSA
- Review aid gaps and prepare a professional judgment appeal
- Search scholarships by need, major, service, identity, and experience
STEP 03Prepare a stronger application
Build one reusable scholarship packet instead of starting over each time.
- Essay, recommendation, and emergency-aid email templates
- Application tracker and 30-minute application sessions
- Never pay to apply or trust guaranteed-award promises
STEP 04Protect your wellbeing
Your health and belonging are part of finishing school.
- Campus counseling, mentors, trusted faculty, and student organizations
- Pause before withdrawing; ask how it affects aid, SAP, balances, and graduation
- Tell one safe person exactly what is happening