Alumni Resources
Many government offices and agencies have created resources and services for those impacted by COVID-19 precautions. Below are links you may find helpful.
Preparing for Spring 2021 & Maintaining CES Support Amid COVID-19
As we prepare for college classes to start in spring 2021, Graduate Programs for Success (GPS) would like to provide updates on how to position yourself to maintain CES support during the spring term amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Connect with your college
- Ensure you are reading ALL emails and important announcements from your college for the spring term regarding potential changes, due to COVID-19 that may impact your academic calendar, classes, housing, dining halls, etc.
If you do not understand any potential changes, please contact your college for clarification. - Ensure you read and understand your college’s health and safety plan for the spring term.
- If you feel that changes your college had made may impact your CES eligibility, please contact GPS immediately to discuss your options.
- Ensure you are reading ALL emails and important announcements from your college for the spring term regarding potential changes, due to COVID-19 that may impact your academic calendar, classes, housing, dining halls, etc.
- Complete all annual CES application steps on time
- Stay enrolled full time (CES supports one major & one minor)
- Graduates are expected to take in-person classes as long as your college is offering this option.
- Graduates who have documented health concerns will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, contact GPS to discuss your options.
- Keep your grades up and stay on pace to earn your degree
- Earned credits:
- 15 credits per term for 4-year degrees
- 12 credits per term for 2-year degrees or tech programs
- GPA: 2.0 or higher (term and overall)
- Earned credits:
- On-line degrees are not supported
- You must maintain in-classroom status if at all possible.
- Live on campus during the first and second years
- Graduates are expected to remain in double-occupancy rooms as long as your college is offering this option.
- If there is a possibility that you will need emergency housing during college breaks:
- Contact your college’s housing office to explore emergency housing options and costs.
- Contact GPS to discuss your options.
- Graduates living off-campus are expected to remain in housing as close to their college as possible.
- Graduates who have documented health concerns will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, contact GPS to discuss options.
- Stay in touch with Higher Education Support Specialist
- Your Higher Education Support Specialist is here to assist with academic, financial and personal advisement.
- If you did not receive an introduction text from your Higher Education Support Specialist please email [email protected] to provide your updated phone number.
- On-campus visits by Higher Education Support Specialists may be impacted by recent events. Information regarding spring campus visits will be communicated in the coming weeks.
- Live the Sacred Values
- Live the sacred values of integrity, positive spirit, and mutual respect that you learned while a student at Milton Hershey School.
As health and safety concerns evolve, GPS will be monitoring how college rules and expectations adapt to any such changes and will be open to reviewing possible adjustments to CES policies.
Remain focused on your goals!
Best wishes,
Graduate Programs for Success
https://www.mhsalum.org/graduate-resources/
Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Unemployment Compensation Office is waiving the standard one-week waiting period to receive unemployment compensation for those who are employed in Pennsylvania and whose income is impacted by Coronavirus.
Find Unemployment Benefits
Below is a link to each state’s unemployment offices and what they are offering during the COVID-19 outbreak.
PA Department of Health
New Jersey Resources
New York Resources
Support Services
211 is a national emergency service organization affiliated with the United Way. They have multiple supports in place to help with food, financial needs, healthcare, and other support services.
Free or Reduced Cost Services
Search for free or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more.
Food Pantries – Locator
Internet Connectivity
Xfinity Xfinity WiFi will be free for everyone. WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free, including non-Xfinity internet subscribers. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots, and then launch a browser.
Comcast All current Comcast customers automatically have unlimited plans with no data overage costs. The Internet will not be disconnected nor will Comcast customers accrue late fees if they call and notify Comcast they are unable to pay the bill at this time. Internet essentials are free to new customers (or $9.95/month for low-income households, which is the normal Comcast offer) Internet essentials include: • 2 free months for new customers • Comcast internet service has to be available in the subscribers’ area/home • Equipment will be sent in 7-10 business days and will require the customer to set up
Low cost computers/laptops available for those who qualify.
Protecting Your Credit/FHFA
Below are resources to use to protect your credit if you are unable to afford payments due to COVID-19 prevention measures that result in a loss of work. In all situations, contact your creditor. Do not assume they anticipate your situation is impacted by COVID-19 precautions.
Credit Card Resources
Below are links to some of the most common credit card companies. If your credit card company is not listed below, you can locate their contact information on the back of your credit card.
Small Business
US Small Business Association Make sure to contact your small business lender to discuss your situation. Do not assume they anticipate your situation is impacted by COVID-19 precautions that may result in a loss of income.
Student Loans
Contact your student loan servicer to discuss your situation. Do not assume they anticipate your situation is impacted by COVID-19 precautions that may result in a loss of income.
Internship Resources
Locating a remote/virtual internship or volunteer experience:
Virtual internships with US Federal Government
Volunteering – Translators Without Borders
For college students seeking an internship during COVID precautions. As a reminder, job seekers and internship seekers should never be asked to pay to locate employment or accept employment. If an employer linked in any of these sites lead you to an application process that requires payment, consider that process a scam and continue your search elsewhere.