University of Wyoming students facing financial hardship due to impacts from the coronavirus can now apply for aid through an emergency fund. The Pokes Make a Difference campaign is collecting donations from the public in order to help students with housing, food, and technology access.

The fund was created by UW's Foundation, which will match donations up to $250,000. Foundation President Ben Blalock said the fund was created after donors started calling and asking how they could help students out.

"This is the opportunity for alumni and friends and those who care about our students to give in a very, very impacting immediate manner," he said.

Students must be degree-seeking full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate students to qualify for aid. Additionally, no student will receive more than $1,000. Applications will close on April 17.

In a video posted today, UW Acting President Neil Theobald encouraged the public to donate.

Have a question about this story? Contact the reporter, Maggie Mullen, at mmullen5@uwyo.edu.