By Evelyn Lucho

The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) serves over 200,000 students. Half report incomes near or below the poverty line, and 64% report experiencing a basic needs insecurity. With these needs in mind, LACCD sought an opportunity for California State University (CSU) and California Community Colleges (CCC) housing departments to partner and house students. Through a Spark Grant from Michelson 20MM, the team explored and researched alternative housing support strategies.

Lessons Learned From Co-Housing Partnerships

The research focused on opportunities and challenges in higher education partnerships that leveraged underutilized university dorms to house community college students. The findings, presented during Collaborative Solutions: Addressing Community College Student Housing Insecurity Through University Partnerships, show co-housing partnerships are complex yet feasible. When created with intentionality, these collaborations can extend far beyond housing logistics to support student well-being and create mutually beneficial outcomes for all involved.

Although only a handful of institutions are pursuing co-housing partnerships, a statewide movement is pushing to make this approach possible. Ria Bhatt shared key enabling conditions for co-housing: funding availability, including state and public dollars; raising basic needs awareness on campus; prioritizing transfer students; and statewide strategies to strengthen the education pipeline for transfers to four-year universities. 

Three key challenges complicate collaboration: institutional culture, governance and staffing structures, and procedural rigidity. “Developing innovative modules that require interdependence and flexibility across organizations is really challenging, especially when control and outcomes cannot be guaranteed,” Maureen Carew shared. “Bureaucracies are, by design, cautious. Standard operating procedures prioritize stability and compliance, which makes cross-institutional collaboration seem risky and unmanageable, especially when success depends on another institution’s follow-through.”

Ultimately, a district and leadership team that insist on the systems, culture, policies, and practices that promote an understanding of student needs coupled with a comprehensive set of supports can accomplish great strides in securing student housing. While strong local leadership makes innovation possible, systems-level policy is needed to scale. Institutions and districts should build on promising local models, such as  Riverside Community College District (RCCD) and the University of California, Riverside’s (UCR’s) model, and work to embed partnership best practices into culture, policy, and infrastructure across higher education.

Innovative Housing Partnerships

The discussion took a closer look at the partnership between RCCD and UCR. The RCCD-UCR Residential Scholars Program is the first in the state to develop a clearer transfer pipeline for RCCD students to live at UCR while pursuing their studies. Now in its third year, it gives first-generation students the opportunity to see and experience a four-year institution, making transferring much more realistic and attainable to them.  Similarly, the Den2Den Housing Pathways Program between San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) and CSU San Bernardino allows eligible SBVC students to live and enjoy full access to CSUSB campus dining and amenities, incorporating the students as part of the vibrant college community. 

The programs succeed by developing a shared vision, engaging diverse team members, creating clear institutional agreements, building community, and planning for sustainability. Teams also developed contingency plans, collected data to use for improvement, and tracked outcomes.  

Dyeem Tolbert, Residential Scholar, shared, “It’s just amazing to be here because I want to be at a UC… I want to be part of the groups, part of the programs at UCR… I want to transfer already.” Tolbert’s reflection highlights that the program is not only meeting a student’s basic housing needs but also fostering academic motivation and a strong sense of belonging. By supporting stability and inclusion, the program helps students stay on track to achieve their educational goals and ultimately earn their degree. 

An Opportunity to Scale the Model

The co-housing model clearly succeeds: it provides students with stable housing while cultivating belonging, persistence, and growth. As students bring their full selves to campus, new challenges arise. Mental health and behavioral needs require intentional and compassionate support. 

As Dr. Mathew Smith of CSUSB reminded us, “This is the fullness of who students are, especially at this developmental level. And we have to be ready to address that.” These reflections underscore the importance of strengthening and expanding co-housing initiatives. Now more than ever, institutions have the opportunity, and responsibility, to invest in models that embrace the whole student, ensuring they are not only housed, but truly supported in their journey to thrive and succeed.

If you’d like to implement a similar model on your campus, an example agreement is available. You may also download the slides shared.

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.

By Evelyn Lucho

The Student Parent Summit 2025: Innovate, Implement, Inspire brought together nearly 300 advocates, practitioners, researchers, and student parents for two days of learning, connection, and action. This year’s summit marked the largest gathering yet. It created space to both celebrate progress and deepen commitments to advancing equity for student parents in higher education.

The summit began in San Luis Obispo with an afternoon of GAINS Act Office Hours and a Drop-In Networking Lounge focused on the implementation of this bill across institutions. The energy carried into the opening reception, which welcomed a record 177 participants, including advocates, practitioners, student parents, and their families. 

A Keynote Rooted in Lived Experience

The first full day opened with an unforgettable keynote by Stephanie Land. She is the New York Times bestselling author of Class and Maid, which was adapted as a Netflix series, and a former student parent. In a raw and moving conversation, Land spoke candidly about the barriers she faced as a parenting student and the determination it took to pursue her education while raising her daughter. Her story deeply resonated with the audience and served as a reminder that policy and programmatic solutions must always be grounded in the lived realities of those most impacted. 

Action-Oriented Sessions

Throughout the summit, participants engaged in sessions tailored for a range of California’s higher education landscape across all three public systems. Sessions emphasized the institutionalization of student parent programs and initiatives as well as the development of practical, actionable solutions that attendees can implement. From sharing innovative campus practices to spotlighting systemwide initiatives, discussions focused on building sustainable supports for parenting students. At the same time, the conference underscored the importance of addressing the unique needs of each campus and system. 

There are many passionate and dedicated practitioners working to advance student-parent success. This year, we were honored to celebrate and recognize two of them with the Innovate Award; one institution with the Implement Award; as well as one advocacy organization and three student parents with the Inspire Award for their efforts. 

Family Voices at the Center

The summit closed with a multigenerational family panel, which featured current and former student parents and their children. Their collective voices served as a powerful reminder of the importance of creating supportive, equitable, and accessible systems. Such systems must recognize and honor their dual roles as caregivers and scholars. Panelists recounted the barriers student parents face inside and outside of the classroom. The conversation also highlighted the experience of navigating higher education with young children. 

“I was embarrassed to take my baby to math class; now here she is, sitting with me at a panel,” panelist Kalisha Gomez of Riverside City College shared. It was truly inspiring to witness what is accomplished when inclusive spaces make room for students to show up as their authentic selves and are embraced by the community. 

Ground the Summit in Student Voices

Andrea Lara Jara, Michelson 20MM’s Student Fellow for Basic Needs and a student parent herself, joined us at the summit. Andrea recounted the experience as a space for student parents and institutions to sit together and look closely at both the barriers and the possibilities. 

After attending a session, Andrea reflected on the honest and innovative conversations. One thing that stood out to her was how the discussion on data collection moved beyond compliance to consider trauma. Participants recognized that peer-to-peer approaches can not only strengthen data collection but also center student-parent voices to guide systemic change toward equity. Additionally, the multigenerational panel was a highlight for Andrea as she shared that the panel “welcomed children into the space. It showed how parents move through higher education with their families, not apart from them.” 

The conversations and connections sparked at the Student Parent Summit highlighted the power of coming together to drive change. As we celebrate Student Parent Month, we honor the voices and leadership of student parents who continue to inspire change across California and beyond.

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.

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.