The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Student Basic Needs Program has become one of the campus’s quiet lifelines. This fall, the program has continued its push to keep students afloat as rising costs and federal funding cuts strained wallets across the country.
Through UH Foundation’s Student Aid Fund, the program awarded nearly $14,000 in one-time emergency grants this semester. The support reached about 30 students facing sudden crises that included everything from medical bills, emergency travel, or unexpected housing and academic expenses. Last year, nearly 60 UH Mānoa students received similar help.
The goal is to keep students enrolled during moments when a single bill could pull them off track.
“Every student deserves the chance to stay on track, even when life takes an unexpected turn,” said UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos. “These emergency grants reflect our commitment to supporting students not only academically, but as whole people. We are deeply grateful to the donors and staff who make this safety net possible.”
Spotting struggle
ʻBow, UH Mānoa’s AI chatbot, played an important role in spotting those in need. Its check-ins with undergraduates found almost 600 students with financial concerns. The Basic Needs team followed up with each one, connecting them with help.
Impact in action
For many, the grants arrived just in time.
Graduate student Samuel Watson is studying computer science and said national budget cuts left him without access to SNAP benefits during the recent federal shutdown.
“Receiving support from the Basic Needs Fund alleviated the burden of affording groceries in Hawaiʻi, especially as a graduate student with a limited income,” Watson said.
A marine biology major described the experience like this.
“When I faced an unexpected financial emergency, I honestly didn’t know what I was going to do…the Student Basic Needs Fund gave me the support I needed at exactly the right time.”
For others, the help bridged school and family obligations. Sophomore Ami Asakawa returned to Maui to care for her ill father while managing classes and a new job. A dental procedure pushed her past her limit.
“The Basic Needs Fund covered my dental bill and allowed me to manage my living expenses,” she said. “I am grateful for the tremendous relief it provided during a challenging time.”
Animal science major Makayla Horsley said she is grateful the process was easy and the impact immediate.
“Since receiving the grant, I have been able to live more comfortably.”
A safety net
Each grant is reviewed case by case, and recipients are connected with campus resources for longer-term support. Because the funds do not need to be repaid, they offer stability at moments when students are most vulnerable.
To make a donation, visit the UH Mānoa Student Aid Fund.
