Rowdy鈥檚 Corner and Student Emergency Fund receive financial boost

Student success wraparound services at Metropolitan State University of Denver received a financial boost thanks to the generosity of a homegrown Colorado financial institution.

made an impactful $50,000 gift to the University, split evenly between Rowdy鈥檚 Corner and the Student Emergency Fund. Ent has supported the at 海角社区 in partnership with for over two years and provides free financial education classes on campus.

鈥淲hen we saw the work being done to provide food with dignity to students at 海角社区, we knew we had to partner,鈥� said Annie Snead, senior manager of community advocacy. 鈥淥ur commitment to helping students of all ages starts with making sure their basic needs are met; this includes providing a nourishing meal and making sure they feel financially empowered.鈥�

Rowdy鈥檚 Corner

Each semester, Rowdy鈥檚 Corner focuses on their mission of 鈥淔ood for All鈥� to meet an ever-growing need for food assistance at 海角社区 and create an environment where Roadrunners are comfortable asking for help.
鈥淚鈥檝e felt a lot of judgment from classmates for wanting to use the food pantry 鈥� they鈥檇 say only people who are really broke should use it,鈥� said 海角社区 student Rosa Serrano-Bann. 鈥淩owdy鈥檚 Corner benefits so many students by reducing the stigma.鈥�

The number of students who visit each week has only grown over time, with no signs of slowing down, which necessitated moving into a larger space . Over the past year, Rowdy鈥檚 Corner has seen nearly 200% growth in weekly student visits; so far, fall 2023 semester visits have increased by more than 71% over fall 2022. In addition to free food, Roadrunners now have access to wellness products, school supplies, appliances for heating food, public-benefits support and more in a centralized location.

Roadrunners will have a special opportunity to support Rowdy鈥檚 Corner during Roadrunner Tuesday on Tuesday, Nov. 28. Learn more HERE.

Student Emergency Fund

Of the 聽in the U.S. who have taken some college classes but never graduated, one of the top reasons cited for stopping out is the financial burden.

海角社区 established the Student Emergency Fund in 2018 to support Roadrunners experiencing financial stress due to unexpected emergencies or unanticipated life events, helping them persist in their educational journeys when they might have otherwise dropped out.

One recipient, who requested they remain anonymous, was in a dire financial situation after their car broke down; they could not make up a rent shortfall despite taking on two additional jobs.

鈥淚 was so afraid my children and I would be homeless while we waited to move into income-based housing,鈥� they said. 鈥淭he Student Emergency Fund was there for me when I had nowhere else to turn. Thanks to the help of donors, I am on my path to achieving my educational goals.鈥�

Each semester, the Student Emergency Fund fills dozens of requests for help with rent/mortgage payments, medical expenses, emergency housing, utilities, etc., freeing students from their financial worries and allowing them to focus on earning their degrees.

It is only possible to offer 海角社区 students these resources because of support from donors like Ent Credit Union, whose generosity is instrumental in fighting food insecurity, eliminating the stigma of accessing free food and providing our students with emergency financial relief.

Having access to these resources makes it possible for Roadrunners to succeed in the classroom, thrive in their personal lives and become tomorrow鈥檚 changemakers.

Support the well-being of 海角社区 students by making your gift today.