Rust Opportunity Assistance Fund

If you experience an unforeseen financial situation, the Rust Opportunity Assistance Fund may be an optional resource.

 The situation must be beyond your control and possibly prevent you from continuing your education. The Rust Opportunity Assistance Fund is intended to assist you to continue your studies and complete a CNM certificate or degree. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and awarded accordingly. Your academic performance and progress in your program is an important factor in the final consideration.

You are encouraged to complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for possible additional financial assistance.

Note: Rust does not pay for tuition, car payments, insurance, cell phone bills, or cable bills. For Housing requests, there must be a documentable mitigating circumstance to accompany the request.

Application Requirements

You must turn in a completed application form with the following 6 steps completed:

  1. Complete the fillable Rust Application (PDF).
  2. Write a Personal Statement explaining your unforeseen circumstance or emergency, including: 
    1. Why you need the emergency funds and how the money will be used.
    2. State the exact amount requested and who should be paid.
    3. If you do not have a FAFSA on file, please give a reason.
    4. Include your educational and/or career goals.
  3. Two letters of recommendation; One from a current instructor and one from an advisor
  4. Submit Supporting documentation of the financial emergency (notice of layoff/termination, receipts, police reports, medical statements, eviction notice, etc.) Please take a picture of your supporting documentation and submit with your application.
  5. Payment Contact Information This may mean getting a completed and signed W-9 from the provider for direct payment. If it is NOT possible to get a W-9, please sign up for direct deposit with your personal bank account to eliminate the need for students to come to CNM.
  6. Email the completed application to scholarships@cnm.edu

These documents will be used to determine the financial emergency and the amount of award. Only copies of original supporting documentation should be submitted. Documentation will not be returned to you. 

Only complete applications will be accepted. 

Information About Processing of Your Application

Submitting Documentation

Please submit the completed application with the required documentation to scholarships@cnm.edu.

Applications are reviewed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Your personal statement, academic progress, and supporting documentation will be used to determine your eligibility, level of emergency, and amount of scholarship award. If awarded, you will receive an award check payable to the service provider. You will be contacted by phone after your application has been reviewed to inform you of approval or denial. If you are awarded, you will be contacted again when your check is ready to be picked up.

Rust Opportunity Assistance Fund is awarded one time within a twelve-month period.