Emergency Grants

Limited funds are available to students experiencing unexpected, temporary financial hardships.

2025-26 Emergency Grants

Summer quarter funds have been allocated. Please continue to submit applications to be contacted about additional resources.

Emergency Grants are available to students experiencing an unexpected emergency that impacts their ability to continue or complete their education. The grants are temporary, short-term financial assistance. For questions about the Emergency Grant, email Graziela Gonzalez or call 360-623-8709.

Who is eligible?

Emergency Grants are available to any currently enrolled student experiencing an unexpected emergency that impacts their ability to continue or complete their education.

How do I apply?

There is a simple online form to apply for an Emergency Grant. You will be asked to provide information about your emergency expense. If you applied for funds in previous quarters, you must submit a new application.

Applications will open on the 11^th business day after the quarter has started. For the next year, these dates will be:

Fall- October 6, 2025
Winter- January 20, 2026 (on the Tuesday following Martin Luther King holiday closure)
Spring- April 20, 2026
Summer- July 20, 2026

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email with initial resources. Your application will not be considered complete until you have connected with the Emergency Grant Outreach Specialist, who will follow up with you individually to discuss your needs.

What qualifies as an "unexpected event?"

Examples of qualifying “unexpected events”:

Sudden and unexpected job loss or decrease in work hours
Sickness or injury resulting in unexpected medical bills
Car accidents resulting in costs not covered by insurance
Sudden or unexpected change in living situation
Damage caused by disasters (fire, flood, etc.)

Examples of non-qualifying events:

Delay in financial aid due to late FAFSA submission.
Reoccurring disparities
Legal fees or fines

These lists are only meant to provide examples and are not an exhaustive list of considerable emergent events.

How much money can I get?

The maximum amount that can be awarded through the Emergency Grant is $1,500; however, most awards will be for less, based on the specific nature and urgency of the demonstrated need. Priority will be given to students who did not receive an emergency grant in the previous year.

There is a lifetime maximum of two awards per student. Consideration for more than two awards will be made only for bachelor's degree students completing all four years at Centralia College or for students who have experienced a qualifying “rare or extraordinary event.” These considerations will be made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Emergency Grant committee.

What can it pay for?

Emergency Grants are for students experiencing a financial emergency or unanticipated expense. Students applying for an Emergency Grant must provide details of their emergency expenses. Emergency Grants cannot be used to pay tuition.

When will I find out if I received funding?

Applications are reviewed by a committee that meets twice a week. Awards are considered on a rolling basis until all available funding has been distributed.

What other resources are available?

Need additional help? Download the Lewis County Resource Guide (pdf) and consider meeting with CC's Emergency Grant Outreach Specialist, Graziela Gonzalez. She may be able to connect you to other campus and local resources and assist you with applying for additional help. Email Graziela Gonzalez or call 360-623-8709.

Campus resources include, but are not limited to: Financial Aid, Opportunity Grant, scholarships, student employment, the campus Food Pantry (located in TAC 137), Workforce Training services.

If you are enrolled in one of CC's career and technical education programs, there are a number of funding programs that may pay for tuition, fees, and other related expenses, including books and fees, supplies, transportation, and child care. Connect with Workforce Funding for more information.

Do I need to be receiving financial aid to qualify?

You must be enrolled in at least one Centralia College class.

What if I'm already receiving financial aid?

Emergency Grants are awarded based on need and are coordinated with other financial aid.

Food Insecurity Credits

Funds will be available in fall quarter. Centralia College understands that managing food expenses can be tough while focusing on your studies. This credit is designed to ease your burden and help you enjoy nutritious meals on campus. CC is now offering $100 credits to students experiencing food insecurity. Any student enrolled in classes who is experiencing food insecurity is eligible to apply. Credits are limited each quarter and awarded on a first come, first served basis.

Contact Blazer Central

TransAlta Commons, Room 339
7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday
8 a.m.-12 p.m. Friday (Closed Fridays in the summer)
blazercentral@centralia.edu
360-623-8737