At the Student Basic Needs Coalition (SBNC), our mission has always been clear: to ensure that no student has to choose between pursuing their education and meeting their basic needs. After connecting students to over $1 million in benefits, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the key lessons that got us here—and the road ahead.
This milestone wasn’t reached overnight. It came through countless hours of collaboration, hard work from students and administrators, and a relentless focus on our mission. Here are the key lessons we’ve learned along the way:
1. Trust Students to Lead the Charge
Since we were founded by students, students have always been at the core of our mission. From day one, we’ve believed that students are their own best advocates. By empowering them through leadership roles, such as peer navigators, we were able to build trust and foster authentic connections. These student leaders know how to reach their peers in ways that resonate deeply because they’ve lived through the same challenges. Peer-to-peer support proved to be one of the most powerful tools in raising awareness and connecting students to benefits like SNAP.
We realized early on that students weren’t just recipients of our efforts—they were the ones driving change on their campuses.
2. Meeting Students Where They Are Matters
Every student’s story is unique, and so is their path to seeking support. Some students are balancing multiple jobs, while others are navigating family obligations alongside their coursework. What we learned is that connecting students to benefits isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It’s about meeting them where they are, whether through tabling events, social media outreach, or simply being present on campus to answer questions.
By being flexible and adaptive to each campus’s culture, we created personalized approaches that ensured students knew about the resources available and how to access them.
3. Applying is Only Half the Battle
One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is that getting students to apply for benefits like SNAP is only the first step. The real work often begins after the application is submitted. Each state has different eligibility requirements, and misinformation or administrative delays can create barriers that prevent students from accessing the benefits they qualify for.
While we’ve used technology to simplify the process and provide clearer guidance, there’s still more work to be done. We need to expand student eligibility and create clear, consistent processes for students, college staff, and government administrators to follow. By making these systems more transparent and accessible, we can ensure that every student who qualifies receives the support they need.
4. Reducing Stigma is Critical
Stigma is one of the biggest barriers we’ve seen when it comes to students accessing benefits. Many students feel embarrassed about applying for food assistance or financial aid. To combat this, we’ve made it a priority to normalize these conversations. Through workshops, social media campaigns, and peer-to-peer outreach, we’ve worked hard to create a culture where seeking help is not just okay—it’s encouraged.
When students realize that they’re not alone in their struggles and that these resources are designed for them, they feel empowered to seek the support they deserve.
5. Collaboration is Key
We wouldn’t have been able to reach this $1 million milestone without the incredible partnerships we’ve built along the way. From working with campus administrators to community organizations and food banks, collaboration has been the backbone of our success. These partnerships allow us to leverage resources and expertise that extend far beyond what we could accomplish on our own.
Together, we’ve created a safety net that catches students when they fall, providing them with not only immediate support but a pathway to long-term stability.
Looking Ahead
While we celebrate this milestone, we know there is still more work to be done. Basic needs insecurity remains a reality for far too many students, and we’re committed to expanding our reach. We’re focusing on scaling up our efforts in community colleges and state universities, especially in regions where resources are more limited.
As we move forward, we’ll continue to refine our strategies, deepen our partnerships, and empower even more students to lead the way. Our goal remains the same: to create a future where no student has to choose between their education and meeting their basic needs.
This journey has been one of growth, learning, and determination—and we’re just getting started. To all the students, partners, and supporters who have helped us reach this milestone: thank you. Together, we’re changing lives and shaping the future of student success.
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