AIC Opens LIFT Center to Aid Students

American International College has opened its LIFT Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, offering students financial and personal support services.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Financial Aid

AIC Opens LIFT Center to Aid Students

Live Poll

Should colleges spend more money to help students who struggle financially?

American International College opened its LIFT Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, after offering services at the start of the fall semester. The center provides emergency financial assistance, laptop loans, a career closet, textbook vouchers and additional student support.

Why it matters

The LIFT Center was created to help students overcome financial and personal challenges that could interfere with completing their degrees. It aims to relieve external pressures so students can persist and graduate.

The LIFT Center is supported by $85,000 in grant funding and is located on the lower level of the college library. Its total student usage and the duration of the grant were not reported.

The players

American International College

American International College is a private college in Springfield, Massachusetts, that operates the LIFT Center for enrolled students.

The details

The LIFT Center is located on the lower level of the college library and is open to any student enrolled at American International College without additional eligibility requirements. The opening followed a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by students, faculty and administrators.

Timeline

  1. Start of the fall semester: AIC began offering LIFT Center services before the physical space was completed.

  2. November 6, 2026: AIC officially opened the LIFT Center physical space.

Roadmap

Campus basic-needs programs have expanded to address costs beyond tuition, such as devices, textbooks and professional attire. The LIFT Center follows this model by pairing emergency funds with loans and vouchers.

Enrolled American International College students can access emergency financial help, laptop loans, textbook vouchers and a career closet without extra eligibility steps. The services are located in the college library's lower level in Springfield.

The takeaway

Students facing unexpected costs for devices, books or work attire can check whether their college offers an emergency aid or loan program. Asking the campus student services office is a practical first step.

Further reading

Explore more on Financial Aid for related college support programs.

Source note: This article includes information reported by 22 News WWLP.

Live Poll

Should colleges spend more money to help students who struggle financially?