Basic Needs Emergency Aid Grant Program

The Basic Needs Emergency Aid Program at SENMC is made possible by a grant from ECMC – Project Success.

Through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, the EMC – Project Success Program is designed to eliminate or mitigate the barriers community college students sometimes face in pursuit of their education

Overview 

The Basic Needs Emergency Aid Program is to assist students who are experiencing sudden, unforeseen financial emergencies that without resolving would result in student’s withdrawal from their courses, or inability to successfully complete their semester. The goal is to provide students with assistance to eliminate barriers so that students may continue to successfully complete their semesters. This is a non-financial aid award paid to the entity in which the student owes funds to or will provide services for. Eligible expenses include but are not limited to: Rent payment assistance or Housing payments, and assistance with Utility Bills that students cannot pay due to a sudden financial burden (excluding cable/satellite TV, mobile phone, etc.) Medical or dental emergencies, Childcare, Transportation, Automotive repairs.  Emergency aid funds may NOT be used for SENMC-related expenses such as parking fines, tuition, books, supplies, required tools or equipment etc., that may be education related.

Eligibility for the Grant

  • Must be U.S Citizen, or an eligible non-citizen eligible for Title IV aid.
  • Students must be enrolled at SENMC at least half-time (6 credits) for the semester you are applying for.
  • Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.00.
  • You must have a sudden onset of a financial emergency that is not resolved quickly, would cause you to withdraw from your courses.
  • Students must complete an application in full with supporting documentation of crisis or emergency.

Eligible expenses include but are limited to:

  • Housing
  • Overdue utility bills with threat of turn-off notice (Excluding cable/satellite TV, mobile phone, etc.)
  • Medical or dental emergencies
  • Childcare
  • Transportation
  • Automotive repairs
  • Laptop computers/tablets

Emergency aid funds may NOT be used for:

  • SENMC-related expenses (parking fines, tuition, books, supplies, required tools or equipment, etc)
  • Prior balances owed to Southeast New Mexico College
  • Overdue credit card bills, loans, or insurance

Other Information

  • The maximum amount given to any student is $500
  • Funds are not directly paid to students
  • Payments are made to companies or organizations (third parties)
  • This is not an emergency loan program, funds expended do not have to be repaid

Emergency Aid funding is only available while classes are actively in session.

Application Process

After you submit your application, the committee will carefully review the application and all documentation provided for approval or denial within 3 business days.

You will need to:

  1. Meet with Vice President of Student Affairs before starting an application. If the application does not have supporting documentation the application may be denied.
  2. Complete the Basic Needs Emergency Aid Application
  3. Prepare supporting documentation for your emergency as you will be need to attach the documentation to your application for review.(car repair estimates from auto repair facility, letter from child care provider, utility bills, letter from Landlord for Rent, etc.. )

Basic Needs Emergency Committee will:

  1. Review your application and supporting documentation.
  2. Contact you about your application status (i.e.., approval or denial) within 5 business days.

Note: Funds are directly paid to the third party listed in your documentation. Application will not be approved for non-emergencies, such as tuition, fees, books, parking fines, supplies, etc.

Please contact your SENMC Academic Advisor for additional support and resources