At the Student Basic Needs Coalition (SBNC), we believe that the power of change lies within our communities, especially among those who are most directly impacted by the challenges we seek to address. This summer, we are proud to introduce our California Peer Navigator Internship—a program designed to cultivate the next generation of student leaders dedicated to ensuring that no one on their campus goes hungry or without essential resources. This impactful initiative has been made possible through a generous Spark Grant from the Michelson 20MM Foundation, underscoring the importance of investing in student-driven solutions.
Our inaugural cohort includes 10 dynamic student leaders from across the state, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Representing institutions like the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM), University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Southwestern College, University of California, Merced (UC Merced), and the University of California, Riverside (UCR), these students are united by a common goal: to make a tangible difference in the lives of their peers through targeted and impactful outreach activities.
A Hands-On Approach to Reducing Food Insecurity
The Peer Navigator Internship is more than just a learning experience—it’s a call to action. Each student in the program will take on a leadership role within their campus community, employing a variety of outreach tactics designed to reduce stigma and raise awareness about CalFresh, a vital resource for food-insecure students. These activities include:
Tabling on Campus: Students will set up information tables in high-traffic areas on campus to engage directly with their peers. These tabling sessions will provide an opportunity to distribute informational materials, answer questions, and connect students with resources on the spot.
Email Outreach: Peer navigators will craft and send targeted email campaigns to reach specific student groups, providing essential information about CalFresh eligibility, application processes, and benefits. These emails will serve as a direct line of communication, helping to demystify the program and encourage students to apply.
Workshops: To create a deeper understanding of the resources available, students will organize and lead workshops that not only explain the benefits of CalFresh but also offer hands-on assistance with the application process. These workshops will be tailored to address the specific needs of different student populations on campus.
Social Media Campaigns: Recognizing the power of digital platforms, peer navigators will launch social media campaigns aimed at reducing the stigma associated with receiving assistance. By sharing stories, resources, and encouraging messages, these campaigns will help normalize the use of CalFresh and promote a culture of support and community.
A Cohort Reflecting the Community
Our cohort is not only diverse in the institutions they represent but also in their personal experiences and backgrounds. Notably, 70% of our interns are first-generation students, 60% are low-income, and 90% have applied for CalFresh themselves. These statistics underscore the deep personal connection our interns have to the work they are doing—they have lived the challenges they are now helping to address. Their firsthand experiences with navigating financial and food insecurity make them uniquely equipped to reach and support their peers effectively.
Measuring Impact and Building a Sustainable Model
One of the key components of this internship is the emphasis on tracking and evaluating the success of each outreach strategy. Peer navigators will collect data on engagement, participation, and outcomes from their activities to assess which methods are most effective in reaching students and increasing CalFresh enrollment. This data-driven approach ensures that the program remains responsive to student needs and can adapt to maximize its impact.
In addition to their individual outreach efforts, the peer navigators will collaborate to create a comprehensive toolkit that other students can use to establish peer navigator networks on their own campuses. This toolkit will include best practices, templates, and strategies that have been tested and refined throughout the internship. By sharing their knowledge and experience, these student leaders are not only addressing the immediate needs of their peers but also paving the way for future generations to continue this vital work.
The Path Forward
As these peer navigators embark on their internships, they are not just gaining valuable experience—they are actively shaping the future of student support on their campuses. By conducting targeted outreach, tracking their successes, and building resources for others, they are creating a sustainable model of peer advocacy that can be replicated across the state and beyond.
We are incredibly proud of our California Peer Navigator Internship cohort and excited to see the impact they will have on their campuses and beyond. Together, we are building a future where every student has the support they need to succeed—because when one student thrives, we all thrive.
By empowering student leaders and creating a culture of care, SBNC is making strides toward a more just and equitable future for all students. If you're interested in learning more about our peer navigator network, check out our website here: https://www.studentbasicneeds.com/snapintoaction.
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