Since the Covid pandemic, community colleges have increased efforts to provide more services to students to help them overcome challenges and succeed in college. But a significant number of students don’t tap those services—from basic needs, to mental health—often because they feel uncertain.
A new report from the Center for Community College Student Engagement at the University of Texas at Austin spotlights students’ perceptions of such services on campuses, which are seen as critical to help them succeed in college. Even though the services are offered, students may not seek them — and sometimes it’s just that they may need a little nudge.
Many community colleges now offer a food pantry or other services to help students who are food insecure, and they also offer some types of services for housing challenges and mental health. Although most students indicate they are aware and use the services, a significant portion who would benefit report they don’t. That’s an area colleges can improve on by strengthening their “culture of caring,” CCCSE says.
Read more at Community College Daily.
