By Dr. Queena Hoang

Graduation rates have increased across California public colleges, yet racial disparities among students still persist. Structural inequities leave students of color and other marginalized groups more affected by basic needs insecurity. Studies, research, and practice have proven that college students do experience homelessness. Homelessness among students isn’t always visible, it is often experienced in hidden or unstable way. Defined as lacking fixed, regular, and adequate housing, homelessness affects 1:4 California Community College (CCC) students and 1:10 California University Students (CSU) students. Sadly, over 1.5 million students nationwide face this reality. 

It’s really important to understand that students in college do experience homelessness, [and] it’s important to say that out loud… I think it’s still not clear to everyone that students are going to college and sometimes lack a fixed, regular and adequate place to stay… For many students, that does mean they’re living in spaces that are not meant for human habitation, or they’re moving from place to place. -Dr. Rashida Crutchfield, California State University, Long Beach, Center for Equitable Higher Education

Recently, Dr. Crutchfield and Jessica Wolin shared findings from a three-year evaluation of the College Focused Rapid Rehousing (CFRR) strategy. During Addressing Student Homelessness: Findings From the College Focused Rapid Rehousing Program, presenters emphasized the importance of addressing the housing crisis among California college students. Following the presentation, a panel of experts offered insights, recommendations, and best practices. 

What Is College Focused Rapid Rehousing?

Jovenes Inc first developed the College focused Rapid Rehousing model in Southern California. Program leaders envision CFRR as a way to meet the needs of students experiencing homelessness. CFRR also helps students who are not well served by campus short term assistance and require longer term, holistic support. 

The key to CFRR is that it is grounded in a campus community partnership.  Wendy Rubio, Senior Director at Lutheran Social Services of Southern California, Long Beach shared, “The collaboration that we had between Cal State Long Beach and Lutheran Social Services of Southern California really demonstrated how valuable such partnerships can be, especially when there is a shared vision, when there’s open communication and there’s that mutual respect.” Such partnerships leverage the strengths of both the academic institution and a community housing organization that know how to effectively serve people experiencing homelessness. The goal of CFRR is that students will achieve positive outcomes in the areas of academics, housing stability, financial security, physical and emotional well being.

Impacts of CFRR

Between 2020 – 2024, the program housed 639 students.  The three-year study had a number of notable impacts on students including: 

• CFRR participants enrolled at CSUs reported significantly higher probability of staying in school and graduating than students who received short term assistance. 
• Participation in the program mitigated strain and distraction due to housing insecurity. We saw that students had higher levels of confidence in their ability to manage work and their lives. 
• CFRR participants experienced significant improvements in their mental health. They reported a notable decrease in their overall stress and feeling more confident in being able to handle personal problems. 
• Students reported that they were better able to ensure that they received a nutritious diet and were able to cook for themselves more nutritious foods because they actually had a place to live.

By providing this holistic approach, coordinated efforts between the colleges and the community based organization not only provide the housing stability for the student, but also creates a supportive environment that helps the student to achieve their academic success, wellbeing, and ultimately addresses the students’ homelessness situation. -Wendy Rubio

To learn more about the impact of CFRR, visit the CFRR webpage and read the report.

About Michelson 20MM Foundation

Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation working toward equity for underserved and historically underrepresented communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities, increasing affordability of educational programs, and ensuring the necessary supports are in place for individuals to thrive. To do so, we work in the following verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Co-chaired and funded by Alya and Gary Michelson, Michelson 20MM is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations.

By Dr. Queena Hoang

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month and CalFresh Awareness Month. It is a chance to examine how food insecurity and mental well-being are intertwined, especially for college students.

College brings growth and opportunity, but also significant financial and emotional stress for many students. Tuition, housing, books, and other costs leave students without enough money for food. Financial stress harms academic performance, as noted in the Trellis Strategies Student Financial Wellness Survey, and student mental health. Dr. Sara Abelson, Assistant Professor in the Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine and Senior Director of Education and Training at The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs, shares: “Mental health and mental health care are basic needs that should be a right, not a privilege for all students. Mental health is also deeply impacted by secure access to other basic needs such as food. The Hope Center is dedicated to helping colleges, states, and decision-makers shift from focusing exclusively on strategies to ‘fix’ or treat students and instead transform systems to meet their needs and prevent mental health problems from developing in the first place.” 

A recent study of 91 colleges and thousands of students by the Hope Center found:

• Over 40% of college students reported experiencing food insecurity. 
• 44% of students had clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. 
• Among students experiencing anxiety or depression, 71% were also experiencing basic needs insecurity related to food and/or housing. 
• 57% who had previously stopped out (stopped attending college without completing a credential and subsequently re-enrolled) did so because of mental health issues. 

Hunger is more than skipping meals. It’s about the constant mental strain of wondering where your next meal will come. 

The Emotional Weight of Hunger

Without reliable access to nutritious food, student mental health declines. Food insecurity increases rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts in students. Hunger and financial instability make it harder to focus, retain information, or feel engaged on campus. “Food insecurity is a silent mental health crisis on college campuses,” says Dr. Zainab Okolo, Senior Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations at The Jed Foundation. “When students are worrying about where their next meal is coming from, it’s nearly impossible for them to focus, feel safe, or thrive academically. Addressing basic needs like food is not only foundational to supporting student mental health, it is a clear and measurable retention strategy.”

Students juggling school, jobs, and social pressures often feel overwhelmed. Hunger or the guilt of asking for help can push students to a breaking point. Many suffer in silence, unaware that hunger is causing their mental fog, irritability, and burnout.

The Stigma Barrier

Stigma keeps many students from using the resources that exist. Students often feel ashamed or fear judgment for using food assistance programs. Some don’t know they qualify for programs like CalFresh, California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

CalFresh provides monthly grocery money to eligible students—including those who work, receive work-study, are enrolled in certain programs, or meet income guidelines. Awareness and participation, however, remain low among college populations. Nationally, the Hope Center found that 51% of students with basic needs insecurity did not receive public benefits. In 2019, only 26% of eligible community college students used CalFresh, according to the California Policy Lab. That is compared to 22% of UC undergraduate students and 27% of UC graduate students. Consequently, approximately 100,600 students received CalFresh benefits, while an estimated 297,400 eligible students missed out on benefits, based on the California Policy Lab’s research. 

Breaking the Cycle

Fixing food insecurity on campus is more than a hunger issue—it’s a mental health imperative. Access to food improves emotional regulation, academic performance, and overall well-being. Campuses should promote CalFresh, expand food pantries, and normalize conversations about basic needs.

During this month of awareness, let’s acknowledge that you can’t study well if you’re hungry. You also can’t feel mentally well if your basic needs aren’t met. Students should know that seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a step toward thriving.

If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Reach out to your campus health center, basic needs office, or student support services to learn more about resources. Mental health and nutrition go hand in hand, and you deserve support for both.

About the Michelson 20MM Foundation

Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation working toward equity for underserved and historically underrepresented communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities, increasing affordability of educational programs, and ensuring the necessary supports are in place for individuals to thrive. To do so, we work in the following verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Co-chaired and funded by Alya and Gary Michelson, Michelson 20MM is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations.

The challenge of addressing student basic needs is persistent. Now, the scale, focus, and actionable impact of the Real College California Coalition (RCCC) survey are redefining the conversation. Through a Spark Grant, RCCC will amplify their efforts to gather data on food, housing, and financial insecurities among students at California’s community colleges. Two years ago, the survey gathered over 66,000 responses, marking a milestone in helping all students thrive. This year, we’re excited to see the survey and its impacts continue to grow.

An Innovative Approach to Addressing Student Basic Needs

The Real Experience of College Students survey stands out for its innovative approach to data collection and its focus on equity. By surveying tens of thousands of students from 88 community colleges, RCCC captures unprecedented insights into the struggles students face in meeting their basic needs. The survey goes beyond identifying problems—it tracks trends over time, allowing for a dynamic, real-time understanding of how the needs of students evolve.

RCC’s data highlights disparities across racial and socioeconomic lines. It allows colleges and policymakers to identify which student populations face the greatest challenges. The equity-focused approach is essential for creating interventions that are targeted and effective. By surveying students every two years, RCCC also ensures that the data it provides remains relevant and reflective of the most pressing issues students face at any given time.

“By collecting data in a way that highlights disparities, we’re not just identifying problems, we’re setting the stage for systemic change,” said Dr. Queena Hoang, Senior Program Manager for Student Basic Needs. “The Spark Grant allows RCCC to further expand their work and help colleges implement effective solutions.”

Scalability and Long-Term Impact

One key aspect of the RCCC survey is scalability. The survey’s methodology is designed to be easily adaptable to different institutions while maintaining consistency and prioritizing data quality. The scalability ensures that RCCC can expand the reach of its findings by extending the survey to additional colleges and students.

With each iteration, RCCC refines the survey to meet the evolving needs of students and institutions, fostering continuous improvement. The integration of professional development and advocacy equips colleges with the tools and knowledge needed to act on the data. Through this model, RCCC ensures that its impact will grow, offering a roadmap for a more inclusive, student-centered approach to addressing basic needs in higher education.

A Broader Impact on Student Basic Needs

In addition to its scalability, the survey’s findings are powerful tools for advocacy. They provide evidence that can inform decision-making at both the institutional and governmental levels. Ultimately, they will lead to better resource allocation, policy reforms, and the development of targeted interventions that help students succeed.

Additionally, RCCC’s collaborative approach fosters partnerships among colleges, advocacy groups, and policymakers. The partnerships with organizations such as the RP Group and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office allow RCCC to amplify its reach, ensuring that the survey’s findings lead to concrete action. By working together, these organizations are creating a shared vision for a future where all students can succeed, free from the burden of unmet basic needs.

Moving Forward with a Vision for Change

RCCC is helping every student have the opportunity to thrive by providing colleges with the tools to implement data-driven solutions and advocating for systemic change. We look forward to sharing key findings from the 2025 survey!

About the Michelson 20MM Foundation

Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation working toward equity for underserved and historically underrepresented communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities, increasing affordability of educational programs, and ensuring the necessary supports are in place for individuals to thrive. To do so, we work in the following verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Co-chaired and funded by Alya and Gary Michelson, Michelson 20MM is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations.

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By Dr. Queena Hoang

Supporting Student Fathers

A key highlight from the conference was a panel discussion centered on student fathers. While student mothers often receive more visibility in research and reports, student fathers make up nearly 30% of the student parent population. Limited data and insufficient support often cause their experiences to be overlooked. This is especially true for Black, Native American, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander men, who are statistically more likely to be parenting while pursuing their education.

The conversation emphasized the importance of amplifying the voices of student fathers to ensure they are included in policy decisions, resources, and support systems. According to one student panelist, student fathers are not the exception—they are actively engaged in their children’s lives, and it’s time we normalize and uplift that reality. Naming and addressing “student fathers” directly in our work is a critical step toward building more inclusive and responsive support systems.

Our Children Are Not the Barriers, the Systems Are

Power in Partnership: The Impact of Collective Philanthropy Through the California Collaborative Pooled Fund

Together with Amber Angel of the ECMC Foundation, Jessica Lee of The Pregnant Scholar, and Theresa Anderson of the Urban Institute, Michelson 20MM co-hosted a panel discussion highlighting the power of collective philanthropic action to drive equity and systemic change for student parents. Panelists shared insights into the California Student Parent Pooled Fund, a collaborative initiative that supports student-parent advocates and addresses fragmented efforts across California. Grounded in a multi-generational approach, the fund helps the whole family by working with both children and adults in accessing resources and building skills.

By continuing strategies from early childhood and higher education, the fund drives impact at multiple levels. These include family transformation, state-level systems change, and education policy improvements. During the session, panelists discussed how the pooled fund model promotes sustainable, collective action. It does so by aligning philanthropic stakeholders to advance equity for student-parent families. They emphasized how this approach helps break down silos, reduces duplication of efforts, and fosters strategic alignment across funders working toward a shared mission.

Student Parents Are at the Intersections of Many Issue Areas

As the conference came to a close, one message rang clear: Supporting student parents is not a side issue—it’s central to achieving equity in education. Whether it is addressing economic mobility, workforce development, or student basic needs, student parents are part of our populations. Their success creates ripple effects that uplift entire families and communities. 

Now is the time to take action. Whether you’re a policymaker, educator, funder, or advocate, we each have a role to play in building systems that recognize and respond to the realities of parenting students. Let’s continue to elevate their stories, challenge systemic barriers, and work together to ensure that student parents and their children not only succeed—but thrive.

About the Michelson 20MM Foundation

Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation working toward equity for underserved and historically underrepresented communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities, increasing affordability of educational programs, and ensuring the necessary supports are in place for individuals to thrive. To do so, we work in the following verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Co-chaired and funded by Alya and Gary Michelson, Michelson 20MM is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations.

To sign up for our newsletter, click here. 

One in three college students face food insecurity. This insecurity disproportionately affects historically underrepresented student groups, including international students. Additionally, more than one million international college students live in the U.S., making up six percent of the total student body. Recognizing this, we proudly award a Michelson Spark Grant to Swipe Out Hunger who, over the next year, will develop a toolkit and virtual training to help campuses support international students navigating food insecurity. 

How Swipe Out Hunger’s Toolkit Empowers Campuses to Support International Students

This Spark Grant will create a comprehensive toolkit outlining the international student experience and best practices. The toolkit is particularly needed because international students cannot receive most U.S.-based public benefits. Swipe Out Hunger will also offer monthly educational panel discussions, called Swipe Sessions. These sessions will feature staff and students, who will share insights and real-world examples from campuses across the country. By the end of the year, more than 860 campuses, administrators, and advocates will have access to the knowledge and resources to help international students meet their basic needs. 

Addressing the Growing Need for Targeted Support for International Students

Swipe Out Hunger’s data shows that international students are 14% of the students who use their on-campus food resources. This project responds to the growing demand for support of international students, who face unique barriers to obtaining their next meal. “Many campuses see firsthand how crucial it is to address the needs of international students,” said Dr. Queena Hoang, Senior Program Manager for Student Basic Needs. “This toolkit will equip institutions to meet those needs effectively, fostering a more inclusive and supportive campus environment.”

The project will also aid other student groups who cannot access public benefits. These students include undocumented students as well as those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)mented/Dreamers status. The toolkit will help campuses provide a wider range of services and resources to students who are often left behind by traditional aid systems. In doing so, Swipe Out Hunger will directly help thousands of students across the country.

How Swipe Out Hunger Leads the Way in Food Insecurity Solutions

With years of experience working directly with students and administrators, Swipe Out Hunger has built a robust network of nearly 1,000 campuses. This national network allows the organization to identify the emerging needs of students and tailor impactful solutions. Through its Student Advisory and Leadership Council, Swipe Out Hunger ensures that student voices are at the heart of its initiatives. 

“Food insecurity doesn’t discriminate. It affects students from all backgrounds, including international students who fall through traditional aid systems,” Dr. Hoang shared. “This project empowers campus leaders to address gaps and ensure all students, regardless of status, have the resources they need to succeed.” By improving support systems, Swipe Out Hunger is setting a precedent for campus communities to rethink how they address basic needs.

About the Michelson 20MM Foundation

Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation working toward equity for underserved and historically underrepresented communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities, increasing affordability of educational programs, and ensuring the necessary supports are in place for individuals to thrive. To do so, we work in the following verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Co-chaired and funded by Alya and Gary Michelson, Michelson 20MM is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations.

To sign up for our newsletter, click here. 

By Dr. Queena Hoang

March is National Nutrition Month, a time to highlight healthy eating’s critical role in our lives. For college students, nutrition isn’t just sustenance—it fuels the mind for academic success and bodily well-being. Food insecurity—defined as limited or uncertain access to adequate food—plagues many college students. It makes nutritious meals harder to access. A new study by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research (CHPR) found:

• 50% of surveyed California college students experienced food insecurity, including 28% who skipped meals due to cost.
• Over 70% of students at California community colleges reported food insecurity, followed by >50% of Cal State students and 42% of UC students.
• Among food-insecure students who heard of CalFresh but never used it, the main reasons were believing they were ineligible (50.3%), not knowing how to apply (27.8%), and lacking time to apply (14.4%).

Food Insecurity on College Campuses

Not only during National Nutrition Month but also throughout the year, food insecurity—the lack of consistent access to healthy foods—has impacted college campuses for years. Recently it has worsened due to rising prices. Good nutrition may be affordable for some, but healthy choices come at a hefty price for others. UCLA also found that hunger and food insecurity are significantly higher among college students (44%) than U.S. households (13%). Stress over not knowing where their next meal will come from can lead to poor academic performance. It can also cause increased mental health issues, and the tough choice between food and a college degree. Without proper nutrition, students struggle to concentrate, retain information, and sustain the energy to succeed. 

The Importance of SNAP Benefits

CalFresh, California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity. It provides monthly electronic benefits to low-income households to purchase food. CalFresh benefits help students buy fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other essentials for a balanced diet. By easing grocery expenses, CalFresh enables students to focus on their studies instead of their next meal.

California has worked to help more eligible students receive CalFresh, such as by funding Basic Needs Centers for sign-up. However, efforts are hampered by a lack of understanding about eligibility and participation. Researchers from the California Policy Lab found that among students who were estimated to be eligible for CalFresh benefits, 26% of community college students received CalFresh benefits in the Fall of 2019. That is compared to 22% of UC undergraduate students and 27% of UC graduate students. This means about 100,600 students received CalFresh benefits, while an estimated 297,400 eligible students missed out on benefits, based on the California Policy Lab’s research. 

Advocacy and Awareness

In the last few years, California has provided funding for county human services agency liaisons to increase campus-county collaboration (Assembly Bill 1326). The state has also required colleges to provide information on CalFresh as part of their new student orientation (AB 543). Additionally, there is a mandate for a uniform template for colleges to use to notify students of their eligibility for CalFresh (SB 20). The state has also funded basic needs centers at community colleges (SB 129) and expanded the set of programs that count toward the “local programs to increase employability” exemption (AB 396), as the California Policy Labs reported. 

Despite the benefits and efforts, many eligible students remain unaware of CalFresh or hesitant to apply due to stigma or the belief that others are more in need. Higher education and community organizations can raise awareness, simplifying the application process, and advocate for policies that expand eligibility. Campus food pantries, nutrition workshops, and peer support programs can complement CalFresh benefits, creating a holistic approach to food insecurity.

This National Nutrition Month, let’s commit to ensuring all students have access to the nutrition they need to succeed. Supporting CalFresh and other food security initiatives invests in the future of our communities—one well-nourished mind at a time.

About Michelson 20MM

Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation working toward equity for underserved and historically underrepresented communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities, increasing affordability of educational programs, and ensuring the necessary supports are in place for individuals to thrive. To do so, we work in the following verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Co-chaired and funded by Alya and Gary Michelson, Michelson 20MM is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations.

To sign up for our newsletter, click here. 

In a state where over 50% of community college students face housing or food insecurity,  creating system solutions is vital. These solutions must address student basic needs challenges in higher education. To combat this, the 2024 Student Basic Needs Spark Grants funding cycle focuses on innovative strategies that advance student basic needs in California. 

2024 Student Basic Needs Focus Areas

In order to drive a scalable impact within the communities we serve, the funding cycle emphasizes the following areas: 

• Systemic approaches and actionable strategies for higher education systems to implement state and/or federal policies addressing student housing and food insecurity. 
• Best practices to support students who are ineligible for public benefits, state aid, and federal aid. Students ineligible for state or federal aid can include but are not limited to, undocumented students, DACAmented/Dreamers, and/or international students. 

Innovative approaches and promising practices to promote positive academic outcomes for students receiving direct financial assistance aimed at mitigating student basic needs concerns. This could include research, evaluation, or efforts that scale the impact of public benefits assistance, tax credits for eligible students, universal basic income, guaranteed income programs, and approaches to liquidating institutional Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) dollars. 

Meet the Spark Community Advisors

No one knows the needs of a community better than those with boots on the ground. Recognizing this, we proudly introduce an incredible group of advisors, who provided insights to help students meet their basic needs. Their expertise and dedication informed strategies that promote equity, support for vulnerable populations, and innovative approaches to improving academic outcomes. 

Heather Brandt: Heather Brandt serves as the Student Trustee at City College of San Francisco (CCSF), where she leads initiatives to revitalize the campus post-pandemic and reinstate essential services. Brandt has a unique commitment to supporting a diverse student population that stems from her role as president of Student Parents United (SPU), a club dedicated to advancing the needs of pregnant and parenting students. With over a decade of experience in community-based organizations, Brandt is a dedicated advocate for equity, environmental sustainability, and student success.

Sadie Brown: As a Program Manager for the Real College California Coalition, Brown leverages over a decade of experience in higher education, with a focus in event planning, program management and corporate partnerships.  In her role, Brown leads initiatives supporting the CEO Affordability, Food, and Housing Access Taskforce. Her work focuses on advancing basic needs through professional development, advocacy, and research for practitioners. Brown’s leadership drives efforts to ensure students have the resources needed to achieve academic success.

Irene Lewis: As the Senior Policy and Research Analyst at the Food, Research, and Action Center (FRAC), Lewis supports strategies to enhance Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits access for students. Her background includes extensive work in food security,  and policies addressing food security and policies addressing racial equity in federal aid programs, and policy.

Danielle Muñoz-Channel: As the Director of Basic Needs at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), Danielle brings over 20 years of experience in managing disability, mental health, and basic needs programs. Her work emphasizes creating systemic interventions. She also helps scale innovative programs to support underserved student populations. Most recently, Muñoz-Channel has scaled the CalWORKS program at CSULB to expand food, emergency grants, and housing services for students. Additionally, Muñoz-Channel proudly serves as the Co-Chair for the President’s Commission on the Status of Women. She is also a fellow in the President and Provost’s Leadership Fellows program. Muñoz-Channel is dedicated to fostering equity-minded leadership and creating programs and services that help individuals feel seen, valued, safe, and liberated.

Mayra Nunez Martinez: Having immigrated from Sinaloa, Mexico, Martinez grew up in California’s rural San Joaquin Valley. Her commitment to increasing college access motivated her to pursue a Ph.D. in Education from the University of California, Davis. True to her roots, Martinez’s focus is on advancing educational equity for Latinx students in rural areas. As a postdoctoral scholar at Wheelhouse and an affiliate of the California Education Lab, her research addresses student outcomes in California Community Colleges.

This community of advisors plays a critical role in shaping actionable strategies. These strategies align with our key focus areas for this funding cycle, including implementing state and federal policies, supporting students ineligible for financial assistance, and scaling impactful financial assistance programs. Together, they help build a future where all students can thrive academically, regardless of their basic needs challenges.

About Michelson 20MM

Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation working toward equity for underserved and historically underrepresented communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities, increasing affordability of educational programs, and ensuring the necessary supports are in place for individuals to thrive. To do so, we work in the following verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Co-chaired and funded by Alya and Gary Michelson, Michelson 20MM is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations.

To sign up for our newsletter, click here. 

We are pleased to announce the 2024 Student Basic Needs Spark Grantees! California Competes: Higher Education for a Strong Economy, the Real College California Coalition, and Swipe Out Hunger will advance systemic solutions to address students’ most urgent needs. As higher education becomes increasingly financially burdensome, it’s crucial that we focus on helping students meet their basic needs.

“The three grantees will create lasting change by tackling food and housing insecurity at a systemic level,” said Dr. Queena Hoang, Senior Program Manager for Student Basic Needs. “By addressing basic needs, they will improve student success, retention, and graduation rates. We are proud to support their efforts to ensure every student has the resources they need to thrive.”

California Competes will break down barriers that prevent eligible students from accessing public benefits, such as CalFresh and Medi-Cal. Building on their ongoing work, the first stage of the “Linking Benefits and Data to Support the Whole Student” project will focus on researching available benefits programs and ways to leverage the Cradle-to-Career Data System to streamline benefits access. These efforts will set the foundation for California Competes to establish a basic needs coalition. By focusing on holistic integration across systems and coalition-driven advocacy, their project will enhance student success while helping low-income and underserved students. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, the project will engage key stakeholders from higher education, public benefits, and community organizations to create a sustainable, student-centered model. 

The Real College California Coalition (RCCC) will continue the Real College California Survey on the Real Experience of College Students in March. Conducted every two years, the 2023 survey was the largest national study on student basic needs. The survey assesses food and housing insecurities, as well as homelessness among California Community College (CCC) students. This year, RCC aims to increase college participation and student responses. Additionally, they will provide real-time data dashboards, customizable engagement tools, and professional development resources to colleges. Once the data has been collected, survey results will improve programs and help CCCs advocate for more investment in basic needs services. The survey will be made possible by RCCC teaming up with the CEO Affordability, Food, and Housing Access Taskforce (AFHAT) and the RP Group.

Swipe Out Hunger works with over 860 campuses nationwide on food insecurity. In their network, they’ve found international students represent 14% of food pantry users. Nationally, international students make up 6% of higher education students, with California hosting the largest number. Due to their ineligibility for state or federal benefits, international students often rely on on-campus resources including food pantries. Recognizing this, Swipe Out Hunger will develop a toolkit and virtual training providing actionable solutions for campuses to better serve these students. By sharing best practices and successful strategies, the project will create a sustainable model for supporting international students across campuses. 

“California Competes, the Real College California Coalition, and Swipe Out Hunger are leading the way in creating lasting change for students across the state and beyond,” Dr. Hoang reflected. With a focus on collaboration, data-driven solutions, and inclusive support, these efforts will enhance student success while contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future. We look forward to sharing more in the year ahead!

About Michelson 20MM

Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation working toward equity for underserved and historically underrepresented communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities, increasing affordability of educational programs, and ensuring the necessary supports are in place for individuals to thrive. To do so, we work in the following verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Co-chaired and funded by Alya and Gary Michelson, Michelson 20MM is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations.

To sign up for our newsletter, click here.