York College Students Receive New Emergency Fund to Cover Unexpected Expenses

What the Tim Kerner ’87 Student Emergency Fund Means for Your Education

York College of Pennsylvania’s new fund provides students facing sudden financial hardships with up to $250 of assistance per academic year. Established through a generous donation from alumnus and Distinguished Alumni Service Award winner Timothy P. Kerner ’87, the fund is designed to cover costs that can derail a student’s progress — from emergency travel for a family illness to medical bills, or essential day‑to‑day expenses such as books, food, and clothing.

Eligibility and How to Apply

To be considered, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in a degree‑or‑certificate program at York College.
• Experience an unforeseen, high‑cost event that threatens academic performance.
• Demonstrate that the expense cannot be met through standard financial aid channels.
• Provide documentation (e.g., medical bills, travel invoices, or a letter of support).

Applications are submitted online through the Office of Student Life and Success. The process involves:

1. Fill out the Student Emergency Fund application form.
2. Attach any required evidence of the emergency expense.
3. Submit; the Office of Student Life will coordinate with Financial Aid to verify eligibility.
4. Students receive a decision in a timely manner, ensuring that help arrives before the crisis deepens.

Call to action: Submit your application today and gain the financial buffer you need to stay on track.

Program Impact: A Safety Net for Future Spartans

Timothy Kerner’s personal experience with unexpected financial strain during his studies sparked the creation of this fund. He noted:

“I often struggled to pay for unplanned expenses while keeping up with classes and ROTC commitments. Those challenges were distracting and stressful. I didn’t want today’s students to have to make the same difficult choices or risk their education because of an unexpected bill.”

As president of Millennium Group and a former U.S. Army National Guard officer, Kerner “knows many students have unforeseen expenses and struggle to figure out how to navigate them.” The fund offers a proactive approach: providing aid before a problem turns into a crisis, enabling students to maintain focus on their studies.

Vice President of Student Life and Success Robbie Bacon emphasized the fund’s lasting value: “This fund will have a lasting impact on our students—especially those who might otherwise have nowhere to turn. It’s a safety net that will help keep students enrolled and engaged when life throws them a curveball.”

Moreover, the fund reflects York College’s commitment to Alumni Solidarity. Dr. Glenn Miller, Vice President of Advancement, notes that Kerner’s gift “exemplifies the spirit of alumni giving back to uplift the next generations of Spartans.” The initiative strengthens the college 1) promotes retention and 2) cultivates a culture of community support.

Why an Emergency Fund Matters in Higher Education

Unexpected costs can derail a student’s academic trajectory. Here’s why a dedicated emergency fund can make a measurable difference:

• Reduces dropout risk. A sudden medical bill or emergency travel can force a student to skip classes or drop out. Early assistance keeps learning uninterrupted.
• Promotes financial resilience. Knowing that an emergency fund exists shifts the mindset from “I’m responsible forever” to “I can recover when a crisis hits.”
• Supports diverse student demographics. Students from low‑income backgrounds often rely on precarious job income. An emergency fund levels the playing field.
• Enhances campus stability. When students stay enrolled, retention metrics improve, and the institution’s reputation as a student‑centred campus grows.

Students who have benefited from the Tim Kerner ’87 Emergency Fund report feeling more secure and focused on academics rather than financial stress. If you’re experiencing a sudden, high‑cost emergency, consider applying to tap into the fund’s resources.

Strategic Tips for Managing Unexpected Expenses

Even when an emergency fund is in place, a few strategies can help mitigate future financial shocks:

1. Build a small reserve. Aim to set aside at least $50–$100 each month, no matter how small. Accumulated together, small reserves can cover many emergencies.
2. Review your insurance policy. Check whether health, travel, or renters insurance covers certain unexpected payments.
3. Explore campus resources. Beyond the funded emergency fund, many departments offer short‑term bursaries for critical situations (e.g., textbook, uniform, or situational crises).
4. Stay connected to a support network. Let professors, advisors, and counselors know of your circumstances early—if a crisis occurs, they can provide guidance and referrals.

For more information about other financial support options, visit the Campus Financial Aid page or contact the Office of Student Life.

Take the Next Step Towards Financial Confidence

York College’s new Student Emergency Fund is a tangible example of how alumni generosity can create real change on campus. By providing a safety net, the fund supports the academic and personal wellbeing of Spartans like you. Whether you’ve experienced a sudden expense or simply want to ensure you’re prepared for the next unexpected event, the fund is available to help.

Call to action: Ask for more details or schedule a quick appointment with the Student Life team and find out how the fund can specifically assist you.

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