This research brief summarizes key lessons for college practitioners from a rigorous research study of a basic needs intervention. Single Stop is a program that colleges have used to assist with screening students to identify those eligible for such public benefits as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, make…

This Perspective builds on a related RAND Corporation report that describes the implementation of Findhelp at four North Carolina community colleges in 2021 and 2022. Findhelp is an online tool to connect students to resources in their communities to help meet their basic nonacademic needs. The North Carolina Community College System, with support…

Many U.S. college students are unable to meet their basic needs and struggle to secure regular food and housing. Colleges across the United States are increasingly providing support to students in the form of emergency aid, food pantries, and assistance with public benefits. Single Stop offers basic needs support via an online system and…

This essay addresses how to cope with several potential barriers to implementing effective service-learning projects. The discussion builds on experiences of developing and refining service-learning in upper-division communication courses. Difficulties arise in three areas: the institutional and physical setting, student attitudes, and community…