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Bearkats Helping Bearkats

Supporting Students Through Life’s Unexpected Challenges

At Sam Houston State University, we believe in the power of community. When Bearkats face unexpected financial hardship, our campus family steps up. The Bearkats Helping Bearkats initiative is a compassionate response to students in crisis—providing emergency aid, resources, and hope when it’s needed most.

Whether it’s a sudden medical expense, loss of income, or food insecurity, the Bearkat Emergency Fund offers temporary financial assistance to help students stay focused on their education. Every contribution—big or small—makes a difference in a Bearkat’s life.

How You Can Help

Every Bearkat has the power to make a difference. Whether you're a student, faculty member, staff member, alum, or friend of SHSU, your support helps create a safety net for those facing unexpected financial challenges. By contributing your time, resources, or voice, you become part of a compassionate movement that uplifts fellow Bearkats when they need it most. Explore the ways you can get involved and help turn hardship into hope.

  • Donate to the Bearkat Emergency Fund

    Your gift directly supports students experiencing financial emergencies. Donations are carefully managed to ensure compliance with financial aid regulations and to maximize impact.

  • Organize a Fundraiser or Drive

    Student organizations, faculty, and staff are encouraged to host events or campaigns that benefit the Bearkat Emergency Fund.

  • Spread the Word

    Share the mission of Bearkats Helping Bearkats with your network. Awareness leads to action.

How to support Bearkats

There are multiple ways to support Bearkats without potentially hurting students' financial aid status.

  1. Regulated and audited by the federal government
  2. Based on a number of factors
  3. Determined by formula
  4. Limited based on student circumstances
  5. Complicated

Scholarships, grants, net earnings from need-based employment, or loans, including but not limited to...

…any educational benefits paid because of enrollment in a postsecondary education institution, or to cover postsecondary education expenses.

A campus organization was working with some campus partners on ways in which to help students in crisis. In addition to counseling/academic support, a topic that came up was gift cards/ cash for groceries.

Would a gift card/cash be considered financial support and impact a student's financial aid?

Yes, this can affect financial aid. According to the rules governing financial aid, any support that comes from the campus would be considered estimated financial assistance (EFA) and because the gift cards/cash are due to a student's postsecondary enrollment, they would have to be incorporated into the calculation of financial aid awards. 

Contribute or request donations specifically designated to the Bearkat Emergency Fund (online donations accepted)

Donate to the SHSU Food Pantry

Need Help!

Email Us

If you're a student facing financial hardship, we're here for you. Contact the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office to learn more about available support and the application process.

Email

Call

(936) 294-1774 | Toll-Free: (866) BEARKAT

Visit

Estill Building, Suite 201