Stand with Scholars Through the COVID-19 Crisis
Our scholars have traveled great distances, both literally and metaphorically. In addition to hailing from a range of countries — Albania to Cameroon to Syria — our scholars also often come from low-income households and mixed-status families, or face other challenges unique to the immigrant experience. Because of this, we know that our scholars and their families will be hit hard by this crisis .While new information is coming out all the time, a familiar story to many marginalized communities is unfolding:
- Many immigrants are being left out of critical relief efforts due to a lack of documentation — even as immigrant communities make up much of the frontline workforce.
- Recent reports show that in states across the country, people of color are seeing their health and their pocketbooks disproportionately affected by the virus because of longstanding racial disparities in health and economic conditions.
- Millions of college students, like our Scholars, are being left out of COVID-19 stimulus payments — denied the $1,200 stimulus package if they are claimed as dependents by their parents, but ineligible for the $500 child check because they are over 17.
At the same time, our scholars are navigating moving back in with family or other living arrangements, adjusting to classes online and dealing with the other uncertainties and anxieties brought on by the pandemic.
The Esperanza Ed Fund community has provided the resources for scholars to attend and graduate from college, complete internships, find jobs, and much more for over a decade. We have always taken care of each other, and know we must come together now. If you are able, please consider giving to Esperanza today to support our scholars.
There are many ways you can give, and every one of them makes a difference:
- If you are able, consider donating your stimulus check (or the same amount of $1200 if you are above the threshold) to Esperanza.
- Become a sustaining donor to Esperanza. $10 or more each month makes an enormous difference.
- Any amount that is meaningful to you is meaningful to us. The $20 you didn’t spend on transportation this week, $5 saved because you make coffee at home — those dollars add up.
While we are ramping up our efforts to raise money to make sure our current and future scholars have what they need, we have been checking in with scholars and creating new ways for them to connect with each other and with us during this time and creating new opportunities to engage our volunteers. We won’t stop working for our scholars, and hope you’re with us in whatever way you can be.
The Esperanza Team
