At the O’Neill School, education is not just about lectures and textbooks—it’s about people. It’s about students who dream of making a difference and who, despite facing unexpected challenges, refuse to give up. Thanks to the generosity of donors, emergency funding has become a beacon of hope for students navigating moments of crisis.
From fall 2024 through fall 2025, the O’Neill School awarded $24,325 in emergency funding to 41 students. For some, this support came more than once, reflecting the unpredictable nature of life and the school’s unwavering commitment to standing by its students. These funds have helped students overcome sudden financial obstacles that could have derailed their education—and their future.
The stories behind these numbers are powerful. One student received support for urgent medical care, allowing them to stay in their program and continue pursuing their goals. Another lost all their groceries and personal items due to mold in their apartment, and emergency funding helped them recover. A student in pain received dental assistance, while another was flown home after the sudden loss of a parent during a summer overseas program. Others received help with groceries, utility bills, and essential medications—basic needs that became barriers to learning until someone stepped in.
These moments are reminders that behind every scholarship or emergency grant is a student with a story, a dream, and a future worth investing in. Emergency funding doesn’t just pay bills—it restores stability, dignity, and hope. It tells students, “You matter. We believe in you. You’re not alone.”
Philanthropy makes this possible. Every gift to the emergency fund is a lifeline. It’s a quiet but powerful act of compassion that ripples outward, helping students stay in school, graduate, and go on to lead and serve. It’s proof that when we come together to support one another, we create a community where no student has to face hardship alone.
