Institute of International Education
Grants to Help Haitian Students in the U.S. to Continue their Studies
Following the recent earthquake in Haiti, IIE launched the Haiti-Emergency Assistance for Students (EAS) Program. This initiative provides emergency grants of up to $2,000 to Haitian students at U.S. colleges and universities who are facing difficulties completing their education due to the earthquake. The U.S. institutions nominate needy students and, as a condition of receiving the grants, must also try to provide financial assistance such as tuition waivers or in-state tuition on an institutional basis.
On January 25, 2010 IIE’s Board of Trustees allocated $200,000 from the Institute’s reserve funds for this purpose, and several IIE Trustees and private donors provided approximately $61,000 in additional funds. Nominations for the first round of funding were due on February 12. The Institute received over 300 nominations from more than 160 colleges or universities in 30 U.S. states or territories, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
With funding currently available, the Institute will be able to fund only half of the over 300 Haitian students requiring emergency assistance. We expect to give out approximately 150 grants in the coming weeks. Please note that the Institute is covering all administrative expenses involved in giving out these funds; therefore, 100% of all funds contributed will go directly to needy students.
Some institutions were generously able to waive tuition altogether or provide free housing. A number of state schools are giving Haitian students in-state tuition rates. Other assistance provided includes book vouchers, extending payment deadlines, providing counseling, providing assistance with on-campus employment and helping students apply for economic hardship work authorization. However, many schools are facing budget cuts and have decreased resources to provide to their Haitian students.
Below please find some preliminary statistics on the Haiti-EAS nominations and grants:
- A total of 303 eligible applications were received from 27 states plus D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
- 160 schools or campuses submitted nominations; 100 schools or campuses have students who will receive awards.
- 147 students will receive emergency assistance grants; 114 will receive $2000 and 33 will receive $1000.
- A total of $583,000 was requested and $261,000 awarded.
- Over 80% of those selected will graduate in 2010 or 2011.
While IIE will reach students through this initial funding, it is clear from the program statistics that there is still a great unmet need to assist Haitian students. Please consider a gift to the Haiti-Emergency Assistance for Students (EAS) Program to assist students from Haiti who are studying in the United States to complete their education at this very difficult time.
About the Institute of International Education
Founded in 1919 as an international exchange non-profit organization, the Institute administers the Fulbright Program on behalf of the U.S. Department of State, as well as many other programs providing international opportunities to over 26,000 students and scholars from 175 countries each year. Throughout its history, IIE has also provided emergency support to students and scholars in times of crisis, including war, terrorism, illness, and natural disasters.