Pioneer Persistence Fund

Making A Lasting Impact

The Pioneer Persistence Fund

The Pioneer Persistence Fund (PPF) provides one-time financial assistance to undergraduate students experiencing unforeseen financial hardships - including but not limited to:

medical or family emergencies,
food insecurities, or
unanticipated educational costs (books, lab supplies, appropriate attire, or travel/accommodations fora job interview, etc.).

Why is this fund necessary?

For many Utica University students, unforeseen expenses can make the difference between earning a Utica degree and permanently withdrawing. Short-term assistance, in the form of modest grants directly to students, can improve retention and graduation rates as well as long-term life outcomes for our most vulnerable Pioneers.

How are funds allocated?

All students will be introduced to the Pioneer Persistence Fund at new student orientation. Additionally, the PPF will be advertised across campus, on the Web, and via each student's individual CARE Team.

Students needing assistance will be asked to complete a short application that will collect basic demographic and contact information, along with a short description of their specific situation and the requested grant amount. Applications will be available on PioHub, Utica's online portal for student organizations and activities, and will be reviewed by a committee of administration and staff.

By the Numbers

45%

of Utica University students are Pell-eligible (demonstrate exceptional financial need)

25%

are students of color

20%

are first-generation university students

11%

are first-generation AND low-income (family income below federally designated poverty level)

High Student Mobility

Studying at Utica College

Utica is among the Top 15 Colleges with the Highest Student-Mobility Rates, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education (a measure of the percentage of all students in a birth cohort whose parents were in the bottom 20% for household income who reached the top 20% for individual earnings.)