Hurricane Helene Emergency Financial Assistance

Gaston College received funding from the State of North Carolina to support eligible students with attendance costs or emergency costs caused by Hurricane Helene. The Hurricane Helene Emergency Grant Program provides emergency scholarship grants to eligible students who have suffered financial hardship due to the damage and destruction of Hurricane Helene.

To qualify for the Hurricane Helene Emergency Grant, you must:

• Be a Gaston College student who has financial need related to the impact of Hurricane Helene.
• Have been enrolled in a Gaston College course on September 26, 2024.

Grant funds can be used for:

• Tuition and Fees
• Transportation
• Textbooks
• Course Materials
• Food
• Utilities

Grant and Financial Aid Information

• The amount of the grant award for each student will be determined by emergency need and awarded first to students with exceptional emergency needs.
• The Hurricane Helene Emergency Grant is not affiliated with any financial aid sources, including Pell, WIOA, TAA, scholarships, or grants.
• While the College encourages students to keep the highest GPA that they are capable of, these emergency funds are in no way related to a student’s GPA or SAP status.
• Funds received from this grant will be considered in the student’s gross income.

Checklist to apply for the Hurricane Helene Emergency Grant

• Complete the Hurricane Helene Emergency Grant Application. 
• Itemize the cost of requested assistance.
  • Tuition Assistance: Tuition bill or account balance document
  • Book Assistance: Course syllabus listing course requirements and costs list from the Gaston College Bookstore
  • Course Materials Assistance: Course syllabus listing requirements and costs for supplies, immunizations, fingerprints, etc.
  • Food Assistance: Written statement outlining the need
  • Housing Assistance: Rent/mortgage showing the amount in arrears
  • Utilities Assistance: Utility bill(s) showing the amount in arrears
  • Health Care Assistance: Invoice showing the unmet need
• Attach any documentation that supports your need for emergency assistance  

You must provide all requested documentation before your application will be reviewed. After submitting your application, you can expect to hear from a staff member within 10 business days regarding the status of your application.