Members of HCC family gather to discuss basic student needs at symposium

Apr 11, 2018

For many college students, having to choose between lunch or gas for their car, paying for rent or purchasing textbooks for the semester are real issues. Students' needs, such as food and housing, have a major impact on their sense of belonging, persistence, graduation, and overall academic experience.

Houston Community College recently hosted community-based partners for real conversations and action-oriented approaches to tackling basic needs at the inaugural Student Needs Symposium at the HCC West Houston Institute.

“We want to create transformative solutions and create an equity minded approach to student support for all of our students,” said Frances Villagran-Glover, HCC’s associate vice chancellor of Special Programs and Success.

The symposium featured high-impact practices and solutions, including food scholarships, food pantries, coaching and mentoring efforts, community partnerships and resource centers.

Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab, a professor of Higher Education Policy and Sociology at Temple University served as the event's keynote speaker. Watch Dr. Goldrick-Rab's full address below.