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 Hardship Grants
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
- Childcare
- 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
- Childcare
Don’t let a short-term financial emergency derail your plans to earn a college degree; DCC is here to help!
For more information, see our DCC CARES brochure, email tomasine.oliphant@sunydutchess.edu, dcccares@sunydutchess.edu or call (845) 431-8973.
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 is open from noon to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the academic year. 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, contact Tomasine Oliphant at (845) 431-8976 or tomasine.oliphant@sunydutchess.edu.