Many students lack safe, affordable, and reliable transportation to and from campus. A growing number of colleges are taking note.
Topics: Student necessities
$65B broadband investment could help address the digital divide
The $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill signed into law this week includes $65 billion to boost broadband access in rural areas and tribal communities, addressing a key barrier to equity in higher education.
Two-thirds of students in need didn’t apply for emergency aid, report finds
A new report highlights structural barriers that prevented students from accessing emergency grants this past year—insights that could help shape student support beyond the pandemic.
Organizations join forces to step up fight against food insecurity
A merger between Swipe Out Hunger and a network of campus food pantries will greatly expand both groups’ reach.
Simple nudges may boost use of basic needs supports, Hope Center says
Intentional outreach more than doubled low-income students’ use of resources at one Texas community college. The low-cost strategy could help improve completion rates more broadly, according to a new report from the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice.
How one college uncovers student needs beyond the classroom
Amarillo College, known for its comprehensive approach to meeting students’ basic needs, says a simple questionnaire has provided crucial visibility and helped increase its graduation and transfer rate.
Higher ed leaders concerned about Hurricane Ida’s toll on students
Nearly a month after Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana, several universities are still getting back on their feet and attempting to re-engage students.
With $35B from Congress, college emergency aid programs multiply, evolve
U.S. colleges and universities collectively have received billions in federal funds for emergency student aid this past year, prompting campuses to create—and refine—programs that connect students with timely support.
Survey finds 3 in 5 college students report basic needs insecurity
A new report shows the pandemic’s impact on college students’ food and housing struggles, finding that 58 percent of students experienced basic needs insecurity in fall 2020.
SC colleges team up to support college students scattered across state
Recognizing that many of their students are taking online courses at homes far from key campus resources, four South Carolina colleges have signed a mutual assistance compact to increase access.
How can college food pantries help when students aren’t on campus?
Colleges are finding new ways to connect food-insecure students with needed meals, recognizing that the pandemic has separated many students from essential campus resources.
How will colleges’ coronavirus response affect underserved students?
Experts are cautioning that campus closures and the transition to online learning could be especially disruptive for students who can’t afford to relocate, rely on their colleges for food and shelter, and lack technological resources.