Central Ohio Technical College Students Benefit from Emergency Grants

Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) students, faculty and staff as well as our community partners and friends of the college have proven their resilience in the face of change and uncertainty these last few weeks. We’ve witnessed small acts of kindness turn into large movements as individuals have stepped up to care for others in their time of need. For those that are looking for ways to give back from the safety of their home, COTC welcomes donations to support the availability of emergency grants for students. 

The lives of students have been disrupted time and again in the last two weeks. Ohio colleges and universities were asked to move to remote learning and one-by-one businesses were forced to close their doors and send employees home until all but the essential operations remained as public health orders were issued to slow the foothold of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the state. In the middle of that, central Ohio was hit with flash flooding that dissolved entire roadways and forced evacuations in Licking County.

Unemployment coupled with unforeseen expenses can take a toll on an already strained student budget. COTC has two emergency grant funds available to ease the financial burden when the unexpected arises – such as a pandemic or an act of nature. The McConnell Emergency Grant, established by Jane and William McConnell, and the TrueCore Emergency Grant, established by TrueCore Federal Credit Union, provide funds to currently enrolled students when an emergency develops.

Common expenses covered by the program include, but are not limited to: automotive repairs, medical bills and utility costs. Expenses are typically paid within 48 hours of the approved application. By quickly removing financial distractions, students don’t lose focus on their studies and continue moving toward completion of a degree or certificate. Full details regarding eligibility and required documentation are available by contacting the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@mail.cotc.edu or 740-366-9435.

Give online at cotc.edu/give, or mail a check Advancement Office, 1179 University Dr., Newark OH 43055. Please make checks payable to COTC and write “emergency grant” on the memo line.

For the latest information about COTC’s operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit u.cotc.edu/covid19updates.

COTC is a fully accredited, public college dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible programs of technical education in response to current and emerging employment needs. COTC is the only technical college in Ohio operating four full-service campus locations: Newark, Coshocton, Knox and Pataskala.