Programs that provide financial assistance to low-income students struggling with unexpected expenses increase college persistence and students’ sense of belonging, according to a new report.
Topics: Student necessities
New report finds community college students struggling to afford basic needs, highlights institutional support
Community college students are experiencing significant levels of food and housing insecurity, prompting schools to provide affordable access to food, housing, and transportation.
On-campus career closets aim to increase students’ career-building confidence
Recognizing that some students struggle to obtain professional attire, college campuses are setting up “career closets” where students preparing for internships, job interviews, and other career-building activities can access outfits free of charge.
California campus housing shortages leave thousands of students without an affordable place to live
The University of California system is working to meet increased demand for campus housing, as skyrocketing rents off-campus leave low-income students scrambling.
Benefits navigators offer support to college students struggling to meet basic needs
As more students face basic needs insecurity, colleges and universities are hiring benefits navigators to connect them to crucial aid and support.
Colleges navigate a student housing crisis driven by shortages of on-campus rooms and surging rents nearby
Colleges and universities across the country are working to expand student housing as on-campus residences reach capacity and skyrocketing off-campus rents leave students with few affordable options.
Campus food pantries address food insecurity, boost student health, survey finds
A new study affirms the benefits of campus food pantries but points out that most colleges still don’t have one.
Georgetown Scholars Program nears $20M goal to permanently fund emergency aid for first-gen and low-income students
Thanks to a generous anonymous challenge match from a foundation and support from additional donors, the Georgetown Scholars Program is close to fulfilling its ambition to permanently endow the program’s Necessity Fund, which provides modest grants to students encountering unexpected, out-of-pocket expenses.
Housing crunch leaves U.S. college students with few options
Nationwide rent increases and housing shortages in college towns have left many institutions scrambling to find students a place to live.
High gas prices straining student finances
College students, especially those with long commutes, are voicing concerns about the untenable cost of traveling to and from their campuses, internships, and jobs.
Preventing small, unexpected expenses from becoming big obstacles
Even minor unforseen costs can pose a formidable challenge for low-income students. Colleges are finding ways to ensure that temporary hurdles don’t have lasting consequences.
HBCU initiative aims to address widespread basic needs insecurity
Two-thirds of HBCU students surveyed in fall 2020 reported basic needs insecurity, according to a report released in tandem with a new initiative to help historically black institutions advocate for funding and deepen their support services.