FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Purdue University Fort Wayne has been selected to receive a $10,000 grant from the Ellucian Foundation’s 2026 PATH Scholarship program. The grant is intended to help students who encounter unexpected financial emergencies that could jeopardize their ability to stay enrolled.
How the grant will be used
The PATH program – standing for Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving and Hope – focuses on college students experiencing financial distress. Purdue Fort Wayne will apply the funds to its existing Zielinski Student Emergency Fund, which already provides short‑term assistance for students dealing with accidents, illness, or other sudden hardships.
Individual awards from the new grant can be as high as $2,500, allowing eligible students to cover immediate expenses such as rent, utilities, transportation, or medical costs. “Even a relatively small amount of assistance can help address an immediate need and allow a student to stay focused on school,” said Karen Louis, assistant director of compliance and scholarships in the Office of Financial Aid.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the emergency assistance, students must be enrolled at least half‑time at Purdue Fort Wayne, pursuing a degree or certificate, and be in good academic standing. The program does not extend to students who are simultaneously enrolled in high school and college. Funding is slated for the fall 2026 semester.
Contact information
Students and families seeking more information about the emergency fund or the new grant can contact Purdue Fort Wayne’s Office of Financial Aid at 260‑481‑6820 or visit the financial‑aid webpage at pfw.edu/admissions-financial-aid/financial-aid.
The addition of the Ellucian Foundation grant reinforces Purdue Fort Wayne’s commitment to ensuring that financial setbacks do not derail a student’s education. By expanding the resources available through the Zielinski Student Emergency Fund, the university aims to keep more students on track to graduate and contribute to the local community.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
