STEM Emergency Support Fund
We know that food and housing insecurity greatly affects academic performance as well as the mental wellness of students. According to the Institute of Education Sciences, more than half of all college students experience food insecurity during their time in school.
Emergencies happen—whether you lose a job or experience an unexpected hike in your utility bills. CIS will provide emergency support funds to Indigenous STEM students on a case-by-case basis. Funds are honored one-time per academic year and are typically between $250 and $1,000 per student. Unfortunately, these funds are finite and there is a possibility we might not be able to help each applicant or grant your requested amount.
| Funding Priorities | Ineligible Expenses |
|---|---|
| Rent | Tuition and fees |
| Utilities | On-campus housing |
| Internet/phone access | Dining plans |
| Transportation | Medical bills |
| Food |
Eligibility Requirements
- Must currently be enrolled in classes.
- Provide documentation that establishes tribal affiliation or discuss connection to a tribal community.
- Actively pursuing degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field.
- If applicable to the emergency, provide scan or photograph of bill.
- Students are required to contact UM Financial Aid at (406) 243-5373 to inquire about their unmet need. For those who do not have any unmet financial need, emergency support may affect your financial aid package.
Application Review Process
Once the application is open, the CIS committee will review applications on a rolling basis and will respond to applicants accordingly. Applications timelines will depend on CIS resources.
Please refer back to this page to check when the STEM Emergency Support Fund application is open.