Emergency Funding

Unfortunate circumstances can arise without a moment’s notice. Red Deer Polytechnic does not want you, or your studies, to suffer as a result. Review our emergency funding options below or discuss your situation with a Student Connect Centre advisor.    

Emergency Bursaries

The Red Deer Polytechnic Emergency Bursary is intended to assist students experiencing a financial shortfall due to unforeseen circumstances. Please note Emergency Bursaries do not generally exceed $1,000, though extenuating circumstances may allow for consideration of additional funds.

The following are examples of situations that may warrant an emergency bursary: fleeing an unsafe home environment, medical emergencies, funeral expenses, car accidents, home emergencies (fires, floods, break-ins, etc.).

To determine if you are eligible to receive an emergency bursary, please answer the following questions: 

• Are you experiencing a financial shortfall due to unforeseen circumstances or unanticipated expenses?
• Have you applied for all available funding sources (ie. federal and provincial student loans and grants)?
• Will receipt of this bursary solve your financial shortfall?
• Have you paid your tuition/registration fees?
• Are you currently attending classes?
• Is your study period at least 4 weeks in length?

If you answered yes to all of the above, please complete the Emergency Bursary Application and monitor your email for a response. The Emergency Bursary Committee meets weekly and will connect with you once your application has been reviewed. To avoid processing delays, please ensure you submit all relevant supporting documentation with your application. 

Emergency Loans

Emergency loans are available to students who have yet to receive their funding due to an unanticipated delay. Emergency loans must be repaid within 30 days (extenuating circumstances will be considered). Contact the Student Connect Centre to discuss your emergency loan eligibility. 

Students' Association of Red Deer Polytechnic Food Bank

The Students' Association of Red Deer Polytechnic provides food bank services to students experiencing financial shortfalls. 

In order to be eligible for a food bank hamper, students must:

• Be currently enrolled in and attending their course(s)
  • If you are enrolled in regular credit programming, hampers are only accessible after the last day to add/drop.
• Have not already received a hamper in their current four-month study period
• Have not already received their lifetime maximum of three regular* hampers 
  • A regular hamper refers to the standard hamper provided by the Students' Association. Seasonal hampers (normally distributed in November/December) do not count toward lifetime maximums.

Students in need of assistance are encouraged to complete the SARDP Food Bank application if they meet the criteria above. 

Bus Passes

If you find yourself in a transportation emergency, contact the Students' Association to discuss accessing bus tickets. 

Holiday Resources

The holiday season is a magical time, but it can also be hard on the wallet. Don't stress - your community has your back! Visit our Financial Wellness webpage for a list of community resources that are available to assist you and your family throughout the holiday season to ensure a very merry time is had by all.