TULSA, Okla. — College students across the state are struggling to keep up with finances after being laid off from jobs like retail, business, or restaurant serving.
Now, Tulsa Community College is stepping up through its emergency fund program called Inspire Hope, which provides their students with the money they may need during this time.
2 Works for You spoke to a TCC graduating senior about how the coronavirus has affected him and his family, and what he plans to do with the help from this program.
"Just keeping the family safe, and not only worrying about that but just stuff in general as well," Jeff Mulder said.
Mudler helps people with their finances. He tells us things have been slowing down lately. So, he turned to his school for help.
"Somebody was thinking about us by enabling me to still enroll in classes and still get all the groceries and bills paid and still be able to graduate this summer and hopefully go on to reach other academic goals," Mudler said.
Mudler has a wife with two kids, a toddler and an infant. He says just buying formula for the baby has been a challenge.
"It was pretty scary for a couple weeks," Mudler said.
Dean of Student Affairs Jenny Beatie says the Inspire Hope program is so important because of people like Mulder
"I have heard from so many students who are just so grateful to have the opportunity to receive this money and continue their education," Mudler said.
Beatie says students have been able to use the assistance for rent, groceries, car payments and more. She appreciates being able to help those in need.
"I am so grateful. You know, I am so grateful to work for an institution that cares so much about our students," Mudler said. "You can hear the quiver in my voice, because I truly care about our students and I love our students."
And now, Mulder will have the means to keep his family fed, and roof over their heads.
“Somebody out there cares and this is really about sticking together, and TCC has been really good about supporting their students and helping us with really anything we really need,” Mudler said.
The Inspire Hope program is based on donations. If you would like to donate or need help, look for the Inspire Hope program links on the top of this page here.
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