The Emergency Retention Fund provided short-term aid that kept a student enrolled after she lost federal assistance when she turned 18, program officials said.
The student had lost her father at a young age and was relying on federal support, program officials said. When the assistance ended at 18, her mother — the family’s sole provider — could not cover the sudden gap in funding.
Organizers said the Emergency Retention Fund stepped in to cover immediate needs. Program officials said the assistance allowed the student to continue pursuing what she described as her God-given purpose.
Program officials said the fund offers stability for students facing unexpected financial hardship and can make the difference in whether they stay in school.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
