AACC understands that unforeseen financial emergencies occur from time to time, and has established an emergency fund to help meet the immediate needs of students in crisis. If you’re experiencing a specific financial need because of a single traumatic event or an on-going crisis, a HelpLink grant may be able to provide short-term support.
HelpLink grants provide temporary, short-term financial help to students for critical expenses including:
Please note that HelpLink cannot assist with tuition or fees, and there may be limitations to the ways in which eligible purchases can be made. The HelpLink team will assist students to ensure they understand these limitations.
To be eligible for a HelpLink grant you must:
Faculty may initiate a HelpLink request for students by completing and submitting a HelpLink referral form located in the MyAACC self-services tab under faculty.
The HelpLink team considers many factors when making a decision to approve or deny an appeal, including:
In most cases, students receive support via voucher or direct pay. Cash support is never issued. Applications are typically processed within three business days. A student may request assistance multiple times in a term, but HelpLink awards do have limitations, as the program is designed to offer short-term emergency support and is not a sustainable, long-lasting aid option.
If you have questions or concerns, email studenthelplink@dos5.net.
Complete your online HelpLink application.
The Office of Student Engagement serves as the custodian of HelpLink records, which are confidential and considered official education records subject to the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA). Information about the student or their circumstances will be shared only with third parties who have a legitimate need to be informed and only at the request or permission of the student seeking support.
If you would like to support HelpLink, you can make a gift through the AACC Foundation, via credit card or PayPal, through our online form. If you prefer to send a check, make it payable to the AACC Foundation, write "HelpLink" in the memo line and mail to the AACC Foundation, 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012-1895.