East Tennessee State University has activated the Buccaneer Student Crisis Fund (BSCF) to help ETSU students who are experiencing unexpected and extenuating circumstances due to Hurricane Helene.

The university is also accepting monetary donations to the BSCF to meet the anticipated needs arising after the hurricane.

The Buccaneer Student Crisis Fund, which is made possible by private donations, has awarded more than $200,000 to students in need since its inception in 2019. 

Students who receive these funds can use them to meet needs such as food and clothing; books or technology; travel costs for emergency situations; unexpected expenses such as car repair, rent and utility bills (if being able to pay is impacted by a specific extenuating circumstance); and house costs for on-campus housing if the student is at risk of homelessness.

Funding from the BSCF is open to all students who are currently enrolled in courses. The Dean of Students Office, in coordination with the ETSU CARE Team, reviews and approves requests. 

To learn more about eligibility requirements and to apply for funding, visit the Bucs Help Bucs page.

To donate to support the Buccaneer Student Crisis Fund, visit etsu.edu/response

Since its inception in 1911, East Tennessee State University has been committed to improving the quality of life for the people of the region and beyond. Central to this mission is the belief that people come first. Bucs Rebuild Together, the university’s response to the devastation from Hurricane Helene in the region, reflects ETSU’s continuing commitment to supporting our communities in times of need. Through collaborative efforts, we are dedicated to helping rebuild, embodying our core values of service, excellence, and compassion. Learn more at ETSU.edu/response.  


East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

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