Application Overview

A snow-covered evergreen tree in the foreground and Howard University's Founders Library's clock tower in the background, with snow falling and an overcast sky.

  • Secure Start provides recurring monthly housing support grants to help HBCU students afford essential living costs while enrolled in school.

    Monthly grants may be used to support:

    • Rent or housing payments

    • Utilities (electric, water, gas, internet)

    • Other essential housing-related expenses

    Grants are designed to supplement, not fully cover, housing costs and are intended to reduce financial strain during the academic term.

  • Approved Howard University students receive a fixed monthly grant for a defined period, typically aligned with an academic term.

    Key details:

    • Grants are awarded for a set number of months

    • Continued support depends on active enrollment at Howard University

    • Funding is not guaranteed beyond the approved term

    Payments may be issued directly to the student or applied toward housing-related expenses, depending on individual circumstances.

  • Applicants must:

    • Be currently enrolled at Howard University

    • Demonstrate ongoing financial need related to housing costs

    • Maintain enrollment and good standing during the grant period

    • Participate in Secure Start’s financial literacy program

    As Secure Start grows, eligibility will expand to students at additional HBCUs.

  • Secure Start provides monthly housing support grants approved for one academic semester at a time.

    • Each approved student receives a fixed monthly grant amount

    • The monthly grant amount remains the same throughout the approved semester

    • Grants are issued monthly to help subsidize housing-related costs such as rent and utilities

    • Funding amounts are determined based on demonstrated need and available program funding

    Grants are designed to provide consistent, predictable support during the academic term.

  • Students accepted into the Secure Start program do not need to fully reapply each semester.

    To be approved for continued monthly support in a future semester, students must complete a continuation review, which includes:

    • Proof of continued enrollment for the upcoming semester

    • Confirmation of good academic standing

    • Completion of required financial literacy coursework

    Students who meet these requirements may be approved for continued monthly grants for the following semester, subject to available funding.

  • Secure Start’s program is built on partnership, accountability, and long-term stability.

    Grant recipients are expected to:

    • Maintain enrollment and good academic standing

    • Complete financial literacy courses associated with the program

    • Communicate significant changes in housing or enrollment status

    • Participate in brief check-ins to help us measure impact

    These expectations help ensure responsible use of funds and allow Secure Start to support future students.