Thrive Project-Basic Needs Grant

The Basic Needs Grant was awarded to Dona Ana Community College from the U.S. Department of Education to assist students with their basic needs. AVANZA is mindful that when a student worries about their important personal needs (food insecurity, technology access, rent, transportation) their academic goals may become less of a priority. By addressing these personal barriers and providing proper resources- it is in the hopes that it may increase retention and allow students to stay enrolled. The funding for this grant is distributed in multiple avenues as outlined below. We encourage you to reach out to AVANZA to see what resources you may qualify for.

*For this specific funding you must be a U.S. Citizen, or an eligible non-citizen eligible for Title IV aid but other funding may be available

If you are unsure if you qualify for this funding or have questions please email AVANZA for direct support

Emergency Aid Program

The Basic Needs Emergency Aid Program is to assist students who are experiencing sudden, unforeseen financial emergencies that without resolving would result in student’s withdrawal from their courses, or inability to successfully complete their semester. The goal is to provide students with assistance to eliminate barriers so that students may continue to successfully complete their semesters. This is a non-financial aid award paid to the entity in which the student owes funds to, or will provide services for. Eligible expenses include but are not limited to: Rent payment assistance or Housing payments, and assistance with Utility Bills that students cannot pay due to a sudden financial burden (excluding cable/satellite TV, mobile phone, etc.) Medical or dental emergencies, Childcare, Transportation, Automotive repairs.  Emergency aid funds may NOT be used for NMSU/DACC-related expenses such as parking fines, tuition, books, supplies, required tools or equipment etc.

Funding is provided by the US Department of Education and ECMC Project Success

Emergency Aid funding is used for learners enrolled in the current term.
View the Academic Calendar for important dates
Please, contact AVANZA for additional support and resources.

Emergency Aid Application

Requirements:
1. You must be enrolled at DACC in the semester you are applying for.
2. You must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
3. You must have a sudden onset of a financial emergency that if not resolved quickly, you would be caused to withdraw from your courses.

Laptop Opportunity

The Basic Needs Grant has dedicated funding to assist students with the tools necessary to successfully complete their semester and beyond. The Basic Needs Grant has identified computer access as a main tool for students to connect with resources, complete assignments and access instructional materials. Students are required to write two short essays to demonstrate need and meet the criteria below. Upon submissions essays will be reviewed by AVANZA staff and selection of applicants will be determined. All applicants will be notified via NMSU email; If selected, laptops will be provided to students at no cost.

Requirements:

1. You must be a U.S. Citizen, or an eligible non-citizen eligible for Title IV aid.
2. You must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours for the current semester you are applying for and declared a degree.
3. You must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
4. Must be continuously enrolled until completion of DACC associate or certificate program
5. You cannot have already received an i-Pad from DACC.
6. You must demonstrate need (this will be determined by Avanza Staff using information provided on this application and the information provided in your essay).

Laptop Opportunity Application

Technology Loaner Program

Technology will be loaned on a per semester basis and must be returned one week after the last day of classes. If a student withdrawals at any time during the semester, the student is required to return the technology within one week of the date of withdrawal from DACC. If a student needs a loaner for continuous semesters, they must sign a new agreement for each semester.

Loaner Technology becomes available one week before the start of each semester Technology is limited and available on a first come first serve basis.

Qualifications:
1. You must be a U.S. Citizen, or an eligible non-citizen eligible for Title IV aid.
2. You must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours for the current semester you are applying for and declared a degree.
3. You must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Technology Loaner Application

Comfort Casita

"No One Goes Hungry On Our Campus!"

DACC's in-house food pantry provides free supplementary food assistance to DACC students, staff and faculty.This food is intended to lessen the burden of the growing economic challenges our community faces. We hope this food will support our student retention, academic success and overall well- being. We ask each visit you bring a reusable bag and have your Aggie ID number available.
Main Location: Espina Campus DASH 109B

Summer 2025 Hours:
Tuesday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Thursday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Unable to come to the main location? Please contact AVANZA

Comfort Casita →

Funding is sponsored by the US Department of Education and ECMC Project Success