Student Support/DCC CARES

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.

The Pantry @ DCC is open on Mondays and Thursday 12-5 and Fridays 12-4. Members of our campus community can stop by during open hours to receive their 3-day supply of food and hygiene products based on their family size, every 30 days or as needed. Call us at (845) 790-3714 or stop by Dutchess Hall 114 if you have any questions or special requests.

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.