Haverford College and Swarthmore College are among the growing number of schools offering programs to help low-income students with unexpected financial expenses, writes Janet Morrissey for The New York Times.

The program at Haverford College was started by Michael Martinez, the dean of student life. He also struggled while attending Princeton University as his scholarships and grants did not cover hidden costs, such as school supplies and a winter coat.

When he saw students with the same problems, he decided to do something. He organized the school’s Low-Income and First-In-Their-Family Assistance and Resources program.

The program covers unexpected expenses, both academic-related and nonacademic, such as emergency medical treatment and plane tickets for unexpected trips home.

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Since the program began in September, it has handled 115 requests by 78 students that total about $25,000.

Despite working three jobs, Ricky Sanchez, an economics major at Haverford, became depressed when he could not afford a plane ticket to spend Christmas with his mother. He turned to the program for help, and was approved.

“This program definitely helps students like me,” he said. “It’s tough sometimes making ends meet.”

Read more about the assistance programs at Haverford and Swarthmore in The New York Times by clicking here.

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