Colleges offer micro grants to get cash-strapped students across finish line

With graduation in sight this spring, Fresno State student Kelsey Decker was in a scary financial position. After receiving some federal aid, she still owed $600 for tuition and faced being dropped from classes if that was not paid quickly. She was also worried about paying the rent from her earnings working 20 hours a week at a retail greeting card store. Then Decker heard about a campus program that helps upperclassmen like her who are close to graduating but have financial troubles that could force them to drop out. She applied and was delighted to be awarded a $1,500 micro grant.