As institutions continue to respond to the direct effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many have sought to implement new strategies for supporting students during this time of social and political unrest. Harvard GSD has announced a new emergency fund for current GSD students and 2020 graduates. The Harvard GSD Student Emergency Fund (SEF) will provide grant funding for those who have lost employment or internship opportunities due to the pandemic. 

"The GSD raised almost $700k to support 227 summer research grants spearheaded by current and recent GSD students," shares a member of the GSD's communications team. Funded projects are said to focus on topics and work addressing the pandemic and racial equality issues. "The individual grants allow recipients to explore new avenues for academic and professional enrichment as they continue to consider the role of design research and practice in a rapidly evolving world."

An article published on the GSD blog explains that SEF grants went to initiatives that include "Cooperative farm organizations for BIPOC communities. Pandemic-proofed parks, offices, sidewalks, and restrooms. New strategies to ensure accuracy of census and GIS data in African cities."

GSD Dean Sarah M. Whiting tells the blog, “Students have always used summer months to expand on what they’ve learned, by working in offices, partnering with peers on design competitions, traveling to see projects in situ, or advancing research. The pandemic has eliminated many of these valuable opportunities, so we felt that it was critical to support our students, including those graduating into this difficult moment.”