President's New Emergency Student Fund Appeal

04/05/2020

Dear Clark Atlanta University Students, Parents, Alumni and Community:

Our students at Clark Atlanta University remain our top priority.

During this time of crisis caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we are pulling out all stops to provide emergency financial assistance to those students unable to cover essential expenses or unexpected hardship due to the global crisis.

On March 14, we launched the CAU Student Emergency Fund with the goal of raising $500,000 to assist our students now, throughout summer school, and during the Fall 2020 semester.  One hundred percent of the donations will go towards student emergency aid until all funds have been expended.

To date, more than 300 donors have responded generously, providing over $cash contributions and in-kind donations, allowing us to provide more than 200 students with gift cards for transportation expenses and food, funds for flights home, and Chromebooks. 

Clark Atlanta University would like to send a resounding THANK YOU to all donors for their support. This is an amazing start! We encourage you to share this information as we continue our efforts to help our students. Our students are especially appreciative of your generosity and how it has enabled CAU to help them. Here are a few of the comments our students shared through social media expressing their gratitude:

• “The way Clark (CAU) has been handling the pandemic post eviction makes me see them in a new light. They actually have been listening to us and taking our wants/needs into consideration in every aspect. I appreciate that”.
• “HUGE thank you to the BEST university MY university @CAU. Although COVID-19 has separated us, they take care of their students all the same.  I appreciate the assistance and delivery of a new laptop to successfully complete my online studies!”
• “CAU just sent me a laptop. I go to the best university!!”

The impact of COVID-19 has had a domino effect that continues to adversely impact our students. Many of them have lost jobs and are unable to pay for unexpected expenses, which include:

• School-related expenses
• Storage of personal items
• Utilities
• Car repairs or emergency transportation
• Safety-related needs (i.e., lock changes)
• Rent or emergency temporary lodging
• Temporary food subsidies
• Emergency medical treatments/medications/prescriptions  

The University was ahead of the curve, moving to remote learning instruction for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester on March 23.  While this protective action was absolutely necessary, many students did not possess the required technology (i.e., hardware, software, internet access) to fully participate in this new learning environment. While we do not know how long the COVID-19 pandemic will last, we do know that we will do our best to help students continue to receive a quality learning experience while assuring the safety and well-being of our teams assisting them.

Please help in meeting the essential and immediate needs of our student-scholars. Click here or anywhere in this appeal where the phrase “CAU Student Emergency Fund” appears to make your donation today.

Your ongoing generosity will enable our students to conquer the challenges presented by COVID-19 and continue learning, albeit remotely.  All requests for assistance will go through a deliberative application review and approval process before disbursements are made in the interest of accountability and good stewardship.

While all of us are experiencing a “new normal” that creates uncertainty and uneasiness amongst us, we remain Panther Strong and Panther Proud!  We are resilient and will always “find a way or make one.” 

Finally, thank you for your continued prayers and support for our beloved Clark Atlanta University. We will get through this – together.

Yours in Service,

George T. French, Jr., Ph.D.

President