Keystone Extraordinary Emergency Program (KEEP)

The Keystone Extraordinary Emergency Program (KEEP) has specific eligibility requirements that must be met to be considered for a KEEP grant award. Applicants must:

• Be enrolled as a full-time or part-time, undergraduate or graduate student.
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
• Provide documentation of a one-time, unexpected unexpected emergency.
• Students must demonstrate that their circumstances are a one-time unexpected emergency, not a chronic issue.
• Have a completed FAFSA for the current academic year.
• Have accepted and exhausted all other forms of financial aid, including loans.
• Be at immediate risk of drop out due to a one-time unexpected emergency.

If all eligibility requirements are met, full-time students may receive up to $1,500 per award, with a lifetime maximum of $3,000 during their enrollment at Commonwealth University. Part-time students may receive up to $750 per award, with a lifetime maximum of $1,500. Student can only be awarded one KEEP grant per academic year.

Please note: Applicants who do not meet the eligibility requirements will not be eligible to receive the KEEP grant under any circumstances.

• Expenses that may be covered include but are not limited to:
  • Food
  • Off-campus housing
  • Off-campus utilities
  • Travel expenses related to school and/or employment
  • Learning resources (books, laptops, course specific resources, etc.)
  • Some medical circumstances or expenses
  • Childcare
  • Costs associated with being the victim of a crime
  • Expenses related to a natural disaster
  • Expenses directly related to the student’s ability to remain enrolled and continue their degree

Please note: Approved expenses are on a case-by-case basis and are determined based on the student’s unique needs and circumstances. Not all approved expenses are applicable to all student’s circumstances.

• Expenses not covered include but are not limited to:
  • Tuition
  • Fines, tickets, or legal fees/expenses
  • Entertainment, recreation, and non-essential expenses
  • Non-emergency / non-essential travel
  • Studying abroad costs
  • Health insurance
  • Any non-emergency circumstances
  • Any bill owed to the university

Apply for the KEEP Grant by visiting the PASSHE Foundation Application Portal.

1. Create an account (or log in if you already have any account)
2. Complete the Profile Builder
3. Go to "My Applications" to access and complete the KEEP application

After you submit a KEEP application:

• Your application is reviewed by the program coordinator on a case-by-case basis, usually within about two business days.
• You’ll have your eligibility confirmed by the program coordinator in partnership with the university.
• The program coordinator will contact you directly to assess your current needs and to gather or clarify any additional information.
• If needed, you’ll be referred to meet with a PSECU representative for budgeting and financial literacy support.
• You may be connected with additional campus or community-based resources as appropriate.
• If approved, you’ll receive the funds within 24–48 hours.

Commonwealth University launched KEEP, in partnership with the PASSHE Foundation, for academic year 2024-25. During the inaugural year, 22 KEEP applications were eligible and awarded, totaling $20,200. The distribution of applications and awards across campuses are as follows: