Thrive Project: Basic Needs Grant

Thrive Project-Basic Needs Grant

The Basic Needs Grant was awarded to Doña 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

 

Programs

comfort casita logo with pantry in background

Career Closet

Career Closet provides professional dress clothing for interviews, job fairs, and any other event to make a positive first impression
Requirements
Complete two qualifying tasks to get professional clothing:
1. Create a VitaNavis Profile, Access Code: NMSUDACC-explore
2. At least one of the following:
Once you've completed the above email, Career Closet to arrange to pick up

For more information →

comfort casita logo with pantry in background

Comfort Casita

Together We End Hunger!

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.

Main Location: Espina Campus DASH 109B

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

Micro Casitas are available at every AVANZA office to arrange a pickup, Contact AVANZA staff

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


bills on floor, stressed student

Emergency Aid Program

The Basic Needs Emergency Aid Program is designed to assist students who are experiencing sudden, unforeseen financial emergencies that could result in withdrawal from courses or an inability to complete their semester.

The goal is to remove barriers so that students can continue their education successfully. This is a non-financial aid award paid to the service provider, not the student. Eligible expenses include (but are not limited to): rent or housing, utilities (excluding cable/phone), medical or dental emergencies, childcare, transportation, and auto repairs.

Emergency aid may not be used for NMSU/DACC-related expenses like parking fines, tuition, books, supplies, or required tools.

Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Education and ECMC Project Success. Aid is only available for currently enrolled students. View the Academic Calendar for important dates.


Requirements:
1. You must be enrolled at DACC in the current semester.
2. You must have a minimum 2.0 GPA.
3. You must be facing a sudden financial emergency that would impact your enrollment.

Apply for Emergency Aid

student on computer

Laptop Opportunity

The Basic Needs Grant has dedicated funding to assist students with the tools necessary to 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 the 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 iPad 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).

wifi signals

Technology Loaner Program

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 technology and internet access as tools for students to connect with resources, complete assignments and access instructional materials. 
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 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.

Loaner Application