From food insecurity, to a broken down car that keeps them from getting to class, the Foundation for EPCC knows that students face multiple challenges when it comes to completing their degree. In response to these ongoing emergency needs and now with even more challenging times resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation for EPCC has established the StayStrong EPCC Student Emergency Fund. Donations to the EPCC StayStrong Fund are encouraged and will help students with small grants for basic emergency situations. Many EPCC students work part-time to pay for school, food, housing, transportation, utilities, and child care. The COVID-19 virus has created additional challenges as many students have become unemployed and are facing even more economic hardships.
Another worthy cause is the EPCC Cares, Chefs Share Fund, the EPCC Culinary Arts program is helping EPCC students with food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic by preparing and delivering meals. EPCC Cares, Chefs Share is a partnership created by the chefs in the Culinary Arts Program with support from the EPCC's Student Government Association's Tejano Food Pantry and Sysco.