UC Riverside is one of 10 universities to receive a grant that will provide emergency funding to students in need.

The Student Freedom Initiative, or SFI, and the Capital One Foundation, in partnership with Capital One, announced on Nov. 30 the expansion of the Helping Everyday Life Problems for Students, or HELPS, program from 20 to 30 public and private colleges. 

The program provides a total of $1.1 million across the 10 campuses. The funds will be administered in grants of up to $500 for each student in each term. It is expected more than 2,000 students will receive the emergency grants.

In a press release, SFI said Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, and other Minority Serving Institutions, or MSIs, were selected for the grant. SFI defines an emergency as an unexpected, one-time expense associated with immediate risk to a student’s health, life, property, or enrollment status. These emergencies can include transportation, IT software and hardware, medical care, food, temporary housing and utilities, and safety-related purchases. 

Students may apply on the SFI website. 

The news follows an August announcement  that UCR was among 14 MSIs selected to the next cohort of SFI partner institutions. 

SFI is a nonprofit that aims to reduce the wealth gap through education, offering stipends, internships and certifications, tutoring and mentorship, and expanding broadband and clean energy resources.