Equity For All Fund Q & A
Q. Who can apply to the Equity For All Fund?
A. The Equity For All Fund* will now accept applications from high school students (grades 9-12), from EdCo’s partner schools, who meet the financial eligibility requirements.** Oishei and Cullen student scholars are also eligible.
**Students who meet financial eligibility requirements will receive a letter of invitation from their school. If you believe you should have received a letter, but have not, please speak to your school DEI Coordinator.
Q. How do I apply?
A. Students and/or their families can go to https://www.edcowny.org/equity-for-all-fund to learn more about the program. Reading the program's Frequently Asked Questions document would be a very helpful place to start the process.
Q. How does the program work?
- Students and/or their parents or guardians can apply for funds to help cover the cost of fees, dues and other charges that fall outside the cost of tuition. Registration fees are considered part of tuition.
- Applicants must provide specifics of each item, including its exact cost. Invoices from third party vendors (i.e. uniform companies) can be scanned and included with the application. Applications without an exact cost may not be accepted.
- A committee of EdCo staff members, school representatives and community members will review applications on a rolling basis.
- Applications will have a $500 per student limit, per school year, for as long as the funds remain.
- Approved funds will be sent directly to schools on behalf of the student. The fund does not permit reimbursement to families or individuals.
Q. What types of items will the Equity For All Fund cover?
Access to Food (breakfast & lunch) Transportation to and from school
Sports Fees Electives not covered by tuition
Activity Fees Field trips
Technology Fees Tickets to School Dances
Books and Supplies Exam Fees
Q. When is my application Due?
• The application opens August 1st.
• The Application deadline is August 12th
• If approved, students/families will be notified August 19th
• Funds will be disbursed to the appropriate school August 26th
However, if you miss the first application deadline, there will be a second opportunity as for you to apply - as funds allow.
• The second application will open September 6th
• The Application deadline will be September 23rd
• If approved, students/families will be notified on or around September 30th
• Funds will be disbursed to the appropriate school October 5th
What to do before you Apply
- Students are encouraged to determine their funding priorities and gather the exact cost of the item(s) and/or service(s) you would like the committee to consider.
- Read both the application and the Equity Fund Frequently Asked Questions to familiarize yourself with the rules of the fund.
Q. What Should my application include?
A. Appiications should be as detailed as possible. For example, if a student is applying for multiple items ( sports uniform and tech fee) each item needs to have its own application. Please detail the exact amount the item costs and to whom, at the school, the disbursement should be sent. (i.e. business office, front desk, DEI coordinator...)
If you have questions, please contact Ginny Wallace at gwallace@edcowny.org
* The Equity For All Fund provides needs based funding to support as many students as possible. Once the fund is exhausted, applications will close until additional funding is available.
