COMMUNITY UPDATE: OSA February Programs & Free Groceries for UHCL Students!
The Office of Student Advocacy is committed to helping all students navigate university and community resources. Through collaboration with campus and community partners, the Office of Student Advocacy supports the personal and professional development of students by providing essential services and resources that foster learning, critical thinking, self-advocacy, resilience and success.
The Office of Student Advocacy is hosting the following programs and services. Welcome back, Hawks!
Free Notary Services
The Student Advocate, in the Office of Student Advocacy, is available to assist all students who require a notary seal on eligible government, legal, travel, business or personal documents.
Request information or an appointment for free Notary Services.
Current and Former Foster Youth/Young Adult Support Services
Free Tech Packs
Free Tech Packs are available for students who have spent time in foster care. Tech Packs include a laptop, printer and accessories. To qualify, students must provide proof of college enrollment and proof of time in foster care. Request more information about Free Tech Packs.
Texas Education and Training Voucher (ETV)
The Texas Education and Training Voucher (ETV) is a need-based program that supports current and former foster youth in achieving their educational goals. Eligible students may receive up to $12,000 in funding per year to help make a smooth transition to a successful adulthood. For questions and assistance with completing the ETV Application, Texas ETV specialists are hosting virtual sessions for students attending UHCL and Alvin Community College.
Attend a Virtual ETV Info and Application Assistance Session:
Texas DFPS State College Tuition Waiver
The Office of Student Advocacy provides guidance and support services for students currently in foster care and students who have aged out or were adopted out of care. Eligible students may qualify for the Texas DFPS State College Tuition Waiver and additional support services.
Foster Care Liaison Officer
If you have any questions about services or resources for former foster youth/young adults, please contact UHCL’s Foster Care Liaison Officer, in the Office of Student Advocacy. Request information or an appointment with the Foster Care Liaison Officer.
Food Programs
Free Groceries for Students
In partnership with the Houston Food Bank, the Community Health Market Trailer is on campus to provide free groceries to students on first and third Fridays of each month. Groceries include up to 30 lbs. of fresh food, protein and produce, per student, each month. All enrolled students are eligible for free groceries.
The next grocery distribution will be held on Friday, February 18. Grocery pick-ups are by appointment only. Book your grocery pick-up appointment.
SNAP Food Benefits Assistance
Office of Student Advocacy staff are certified to assist students in applying for SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to eligible low-income families and individuals in Texas. SNAP food benefits are put on a Lone Star Card and can be used just like a credit card to purchase qualifying food from stores that accept SNAP. Request an appointment or more information from the Office of Student Advocacy about SNAP application assistance.
Hawk Pantry
The Hawk Pantry provides food (canned goods and non-perishables), toiletries, gender specific hygiene products, in addition to limited household/home essentials and school supplies. The Hawk Pantry is open to all students. Place an order online and pick up your order from the Office of Student Advocacy in SSCB 1.201 or the UHCL Pearland Office of Student Affairs in PAB 152.
Volunteer with the Office of Student Advocacy and Houston Food Bank
Give back this semester by volunteering at the Houston Food Bank’s Market Trailer Food Distributions, facilitated by the Office of Student Advocacy on first and third Fridays of eachmonth. Students, employees, family and friends are encouraged to volunteer! Sign-up to volunteer.
Face masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged while participating in campus events.
Any individual requiring a special accommodation in order to participate in these events or utilize these services should contact the Office of Student Advocacy at 281.283.2720 or osa@uhcl.edu prior to the event.
Message retrieved from UHCL email communications
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