Howard University has established a scholarship fund to assist students facing financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The university, which has heard from students and parents who have lost jobs or are facing other hardships related to the COVID-19 outbreak, will provide the funds — based on need — to prospective May graduates in all 13 schools and colleges of the university.
“We have all been impacted by COVID-19, but Howard students have been hit especially hard,” Sharon Strange Lewis, Howard director of alumni relations. “As a Howard alumna and the parent of a [2017] Howard graduate, I understand the level of excitement, anticipation, and pressure students feel when they’re about to graduate. This fund was created to support those graduating students who have experienced unforeseen hardship caused by the outbreak. Our hope is that each gift, no matter how small, will allow us to do something great for these students.”
Howard has already taken steps to help students by refunding portions of their room and board, waiving seniors’ graduation fees, and returning fees for student activities, parking and labs.