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FINANCIAL AID SUPPORT

The staff at Kellogg Community College understand that issues related to COVID-19 have caused hardships on many students and their families. We want you to know that we will work with you to help you start or continue your attendance at KCC. If you are experiencing a hardship or changes in your finances, the first step is to review the information below, complete the required forms and contact us should you have questions.

Notice

Effective May 11, 2023 the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) will end. PHE flexibilities related to student eligibility for federal benefit programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, including the temporary student exemptions that expanded SNAP eligibility for students enrolled at least half time at an eligible institution who were either eligible to participate in certain work study programs or had an expected family contribution of zero in the current academic year will have their exemptions end 30 days after the PHE ends on May 11, 2023.

 

Special Circumstances

If you have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and you, your spouse or your parent(s) became unemployed, worked less, or any other financial reason, you may complete one of the Special Circumstances forms link below. Once complete, submit the form along with the required documentation to the Financial Aid Office.

There are other situations which may warrant a Special Circumstance and are listed on the form. Examples may be unusual medical expenses not covered by insurance, technology expenses which you were forced to pay when classes went remote, etc..

Please note: Students with a expected family contribution (EFC) of $0 should not report changes to income as this is the lowest EFC possible and will be considered for the maximum amount in federal grant funding. Households with higher EFCs will need to show a significant decrease to household income to lower their EFC to be equal to or less than $5,576 for a full-time student to receive federal grant funding.

  • Dependent Student Special Circumstances Request
  • Independent Student Special Circumstances Request

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was expanded as part of the sweeping relief package to allow college students to more easily access the program, temporarily removing work and eligibility requirements for students. This change will be in place for the duration of the public health emergency due to the coronavirus.

The provision lifted certain exemptions to the federal criteria for students to be eligible for the program, making it possible for students with an EFC of $0 on their financial aid application, or those who are eligible for state or federal work-study, to enroll for SNAP under the temporarily expanded eligibility criteria. 

Students can apply for SNAP and other benefits through the State of Michigan on the MI Bridges website.

Affordable Connectivity Program

For students facing academic barriers as a result of food insecurity or financial hardship, KCC offers emergency resources. Please visit Emergency Resources | Kellogg Community College for additional information or contact our office at (269) 965-4123.

                                                                                                                                          Bruin Basket initiative

Food insecurity is a hardship that millions of people living in the United States face, and community college students are not immune to this. The Bruin Basket initiative, which launched in June 2019, offers free grab-and-go snack options for anyone in the KCC community that may need a little something extra to get through the day.

There is no registration or intake process in order to use the Bruin Basket; just take what you need and leave what you can (if you are able.)

Bruin Baskets are located on the College’s North Avenue campus in Battle Creek in the Miller Physical Education Building, Emory Morris Library, Whitmore lobby, and Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center lower level. They are also located at the Regional Manufacturing Technology Center in Fort Custer Industrial Park, Eastern Academic Center in Albion, Grahl Center in Coldwater and Fehsenfeld Center in Hastings.

Fresh Food Distribution

KCC’s Food Insecurity Task Force, in partnership with the South Michigan Food Bank, hosts a Fresh Food Distribution event at 1 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month on the College’s North Avenue campus in Battle Creek.

This event is made possible in partnership with a grant from the South Michigan Food Bank and is free for all affiliated with KCC. Students simply have to show up at Parking Lot G, next to the Miller Building, with their KCC ID to receive a box of fresh, healthy food (and perhaps some extra treats) during each distribution event.

Emergency Community Services

Please note: If you need immediate emergency assistance, dial 911.

Occasionally, personal problems may interfere with academic success. Talking to a professional counselor can help students clarify their thoughts, find solutions and plan changes. Listed below are select community resources that may be of assistance to students facing personal barriers to academic success.

Domestic Violence

  • Safe Place (Battle Creek): 1-888-664-9832
  • Sexual Assault Services: 1-888-383-2192

USA National Suicide Hotlines

Toll-free 24 hours, seven days per week

  • 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433
  • 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255
  • TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY or 1-800-799-4889

Personal Counseling & Substance Abuse

  • Summit Pointe (Calhoun County): 269-966-1460
  • Pines Behavioral Health (Branch County): 517-279-8404
  • Barry County Community Mental Health Authority: 269-948-8041
  • LifeWays Community Mental Health (Jackson County): 517-789-1209
  • Kalamazoo County CMH: 269-553-8000

To schedule a confidential appointment with a KCC counselor, call 269-441-CHAT (2428) or email counseling@kellogg.edu. Current students can also schedule a phone appointment through Starfish, located in the Bruin Portal.

 

FINANCIAL AID QUICK LINKS