Problem

Certain populations of students—especially low-income, first generation, and Black and Latinx students—experience hardships at a higher rate. From food insecurity to childcare to financial constraints, students can find themselves juggling huge burdens outside the classroom. Many institutions are not equipped to proactively identify and meet these needs.

Source: The Hope Center

Source: The Hope Center

Source: Community College Resource Center

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Strategies

Active Academic Support

Provide students with programs and services to help them develop the academic skills needed to be successful.

Proactive Advising

Require advisors to take a preemptive approach that anticipates and helps eliminate concerns, roadblocks, and barriers affecting student success. Through strategic and consistent outreach, ensure advisors are a resource for students, working with them to create a holistic plan for a timely graduation.

360° Coaching

Provide students with a designated coach to contact whenever issues arise in and outside of the classroom. Train coaches to work with students to find answers, identify appropriate resources, and advocate or intervene on their behalf.

Student Basic Needs Support

Ensure that students have access to food, housing, childcare, physical and mental health services, financial assistance, and transportation.

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