ColumbiaCares

As a caring and engaged community, ColumbiaCares was created to support Columbia College Chicago students who are experiencing temporary need. The impetus for the creation of ColumbiaCares came from Columbia College Chicago Business and Entrepreneurship students in 2012. Since its creation the Business and Entrepreneurship class has partnered with the Development and Alumni Relations, the Student Government Association, Student Relations, the Career Center, TRIO CAP, Student Persistence and Student Diversity and Inclusion.

You can check out the Campus Groups page for more information.

• ColumbiaCares Fund

  

  The ColumbiaCares Fund is an emergency grant that assists students who are in crisis and in need of some modest financial assistance to help them through.  Crisis/emergency needs may include shelter, transportation and or clothing for inclement weather.

  CRITERIA AND PROCESS:

  • Students may submit a request for assistance on their own behalf or referred by faculty, staff and/or a fellow student.
  • A brief written statement describing the emergency must be submitted to the Dean of Students Office.  Please include: (a) student’s name, (b) student’s MyColumbia ID #, and (c) any supporting documents.
  • Approval of assistance will be based on availability of funds.

   

  ELIGIBILITY:

  • Student must be currently enrolled.
  • Students are eligible to receive this grant once per academic year.
• ColumbiaRack

  

  ColumbiaRack offers an ever-changing inventory of clothing and accessories for students who are looking for clothing for an upcoming interview or internship as well as clothing that more accurately represents their expression and identity. ColumbiaRack provides a variety of options in an inclusive and affirming environment. Student Life in partnership with Student Diversity and Inclusion and the Career Center administer and support the program.

  To receive:

  • Students can visit Student Diversity and Inclusion, 618 S. Michigan, 4th floor
  • Students must be currently enrolled and present a Columbia ID for access
  • ColumbiaRack serves as inventory sustains
  • Students are eligible regardless of their financial aid status
  • For questions email inclusion@colum.edu
• ColumbiaCare Packages

  

  As noted on the College and University Food Bank Alliance (CUFBA) website, “food insecurity has increasingly become an issue on college and university campuses and can pose a significant barrier to student success.” ColumbiaCare Packages is a service that provides students who are experiencing food insecurity with a care package consisting of a week’s supply of food.

  To receive:

  • Faculty and staff can submit a request through the Student Alert system in MyColumbia, located on the Student Success tab.
  • Students can submit on their own behalf or refer a fellow student by filling out the form here.
  • All requests should include the student name, MyColumbia ID (if known), brief written statement describing the emergency and any supporting documentation
  • Students must be currently enrolled
  • Students are eligible for assistance twice per month during the academic year
  • ColumbiaCare Packages available as inventory sustains
  • Students are eligible regardless of their financial aid status
  • All referrals are confidential
  • Referred student will be contacted directly as soon as possible about the status of the request
• ColumbiaCares Donate

  

  To Financially Support the ColumbiaCares Fund:

  • To financially support ColumbiaCares, click here.  

   

  To Donate to ColumbiaCare Packages:

  • Deliver requested items to Student Relations, 623 S. Wabash, Suite 303
  • Click here for preferred inventory list

   

  To Donate to ColumbiaRack:

  • Deliver new or clean and gently used requested items to Student Diversity and Inclusion, 618 S. Michigan, 4th floor
  • For more information call: 312-369-7223 or email klsommers@colum.edu