Student Support/DCC CARES
Are you a DCC student who’s in danger of dropping out because of a sudden and unexpected financial emergency or inadequate access to nutritious food? DCC CARES is an initiative through which various types of support is available to students whose ability to stay in school is threatened by any number of outside factors.
Financial Support
DCC is proud to be among a small group of SUNY schools that is able to make financial awards to eligible students under our DCC CARES initiative, which also connects students to community resources and other kinds of support that can help avoid future crisis situations. These hardship grants are awarded to help students meet sudden and unexpected financial emergencies that can cause a student to leave college.
The programs, established through the generosity of the Heckscher Foundation for Children, the Gerstner Family Foundation, the Dyson Foundation and Follett, have various eligibility requirements and award limits, but all share a simple application, rapid DCC review process and the ability to pay (once a year) for medicine, rent, heat, electricity, books or other unanticipated need that enables a student to stay in college. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of six credits, have a minimum 2.0 GPA and be in good standing.
Student Emergency Relief Funds of up to $2,000 are available for non-academic, crisis (not chronic) situations including:
- Threat of eviction/homelessness
- Utilities
- Medical
- Transportation
- Child care
- Domestic violence
- Fire or other disaster
- Theft, especially of property needed for school
- Loss of employment
Student Assistance Funds are available for academic-related needs including:
- Tuition and fees
- Books and related supplies
- Child care
Don’t let a short-term financial emergency derail your plans to earn a college degree; DCC is here to help!
Visit this website to apply for student emergency funds. For more information, see our DCC CARES brochure, email dcccares@sunydutchess.edu or call (845) 431-8973.
Our services are free and funded in part by the NYS OCFS and Dutchess County Division of Youth Services.
Food Security Support
The Pantry
DCC CARES partners with The Pantry. Located on the lower level of Dutchess Hall, The Pantry stocks nutritious food and personal care items for campus community members. A friendly, no-judgment zone staffed by volunteers, The Pantry is supported by the College and various campus organizations.
After filling out a simple form, a student may receive up to three days’ worth of food and needed personal care items once per month. Connections with outside agencies also will be facilitated, to help students access community resources that may be of continued support.
IMPORTANT CORONAVIRUS NOTE: The Pantry @ DCC is offering students and their families three-day food supplies or, if necessary, special quarantine kits. Those who have a need should call (845) 790-3714 and leave a message with your name, phone number and family size and whether a three-day food supply or quarantine kit is needed. You’ll be contacted within 24 hours to arrange a time to pick up your order at the traffic circle near Washington Hall and Parking Lot D.
For more information email thepantry@sunydutchess.edu.
SNAP Benefits for DCC Students
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help you buy the food you need to stay healthy and focused on your studies. Funds are loaded monthly onto a special debit card you can use at grocery stores and farmers’ markets. As a college student, special considerations may help you qualify for SNAP benefits.
How to apply for SNAP benefits:
Stop by The Pantry or the DCC CARES Office during the following times to meet with NEOP coordinator Elena Dalia.
The Pantry, Dutchess 114: Wednesdays, 1 - 3 p.m.
DCC CARES Office, SSC 203: The last Tuesday of the month, 5 - 7 p.m.
To schedule an appointment for a different time, email dcccares@sunydutchess.edu or call (845) 431-8973.
Family Care Support
If you’ve been putting off a return to school because of child care costs, DCC can help!
We have a range of resources and grants for parents with children, including:
- SUNY Child Care Block Grants
- The US Department of Education’s Child Care Assistance Means Parents In School (CCAMPIS) program
- SUNY Family Empowerment Program
For more information and how to apply for assistance, visit our Financial Aid for Child Care page.