SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — Students at the University of Rhode Island (URI) dealing with unexpected hardships, like a parent losing a job or a family member facing an illness, have a new resource available to them.

URI said the Hayden Foundation donated $750,000 to create the Hayden Student Success Scholarship to help students "when life happens."

URI gave more than $250,000 in emergency grants to more than 150 students in the first six weeks of classes last fall. The new scholarship will help bolster those efforts, the university added.

"Being able to support students when they face unexpected challenges often makes the difference for them staying in school and completing their degrees," said Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success Dean Libutti. "With this gift, we will be able to support many Rhode Island students who need unexpected help to stay at URI and afford a college education."