NASPA Awards $50K in Emergency Aid Microgrants to Higher Education Institutions 

June 17, 2025 NASPA

WASHINGTON, D.C. - NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education today announced the recipients of the 2025 NAPA Emergency Aid Microgrant awards, sponsored by TIAA. These microgrants provide vital financial support to students facing unexpected financial crises, helping them persist in their educational journeys and complete their degrees. 

Unexpected and emergency expenses remain a persistent barrier to on-time college completion and student success. Research shows that a significant number of students report they would be unable to cover an emergency expense of $500 within a month. NASPA is committed to addressing the basic needs of college students, and emergency aid grants play a critical role in supporting students through financial hardships.

This year, NASPA is awarding emergency aid microgrants of up to $10,000 to five higher education institutions across the country. These funds will enable institutions to provide emergency financial support directly to students, helping them address urgent needs such as housing, food, transportation, and unexpected medical expenses. The 2025 NASPA Emergency Aid Microgrant Awardees include: 

  • Community College of Aurora
  • Grambling State University 
  • LaGuardia Community College 
  • South Louisiana Community College 
  • University of Houston-Downtown 

“The financial challenges students face—often unexpected and urgent—can significantly derail their educational progress,” said NASPA President, Dr. Amelia Parnell. “By providing these emergency aid microgrants, NASPA, in partnership with TIAA, aims to empower institutions to directly support students in times of financial hardship, ensuring they remain on track toward earning their degrees.” 

“Obtaining a college degree significantly improves earning potential and the ability to work toward achieving a financially secure retirement,” said Laura Turner, Head of Community Impact at TIAA. “TIAA’s mission to secure retirements for millions more workers is rooted in everything we do. We’re proud to support the NASPA Emergency Aid Microgrant program and celebrate institutions leading the way in practical student-centered support that leads to more students graduating.”

For more information about the Emergency Aid Microgrant Initiative, please visit: www.naspa.org/emergency-aid-microgrants 

About NASPA
NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Our work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy, and research for 15,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries, and 8 U.S. territories.

About TIAA

TIAA provides secure retirements and outcome-focused investment solutions to millions of people and thousands of institutions. It paid more than $5.9 billion in lifetime income to retired clients in 2024 and has $1.4 trillion in assets under management (as of 12/31/2024). TIAA wealth management solutions are offered directly online and through TIAA’s Wealth Management advisors and financial planners. TIAA wealth management advisors manage client investments through a range of proprietary and non-proprietary options including IRAs.


For media inquiries, please contact: Jhenai Chandler jchandler@naspa.org