Helping Underprivileged Students: University Support Strategies

University is an exciting time for students, but it can also be a challenging period, especially for those from less fortunate backgrounds. The transition to university life can be difficult, with new academic, social, and financial pressures. Students from low-income families may face additional obstacles, such as a lack of access to quality education, the stress of a chaotic home environment, and financial instability. These factors can impact a student's cognitive and emotional development, making it harder to keep up academically and leading to further emotional and relational issues. However, there are ways to support and improve the university experience for these students. This includes seeking out academic support, applying for financial aid, and finding affordable accommodation and transportation options. Additionally, there are organizations dedicated to helping underprivileged students, and individuals can also make a difference through donations, volunteering, and sponsorship.

Provide financial assistance for admission, tuition, and textbook fees

Providing financial assistance for admission, tuition, and textbook fees can be a great way to help less fortunate students attend university. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Scholarships and Grants

One way to provide financial assistance is through scholarships and grants. Many organizations, such as QuestBridge, offer scholarships to high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. QuestBridge, for example, partners with nearly 50 colleges and universities to aid students who are generally underrepresented in higher education. Similarly, the FSU Promise Scholarship provides free tuition and fees to students from low-income families in Northwest Florida.

University-Specific Initiatives

Some universities offer financial aid packages specifically for low-income students. For instance, Yale offers a "zero-parent share award" to families with annual incomes below $75,000, covering tuition, fees, housing, food, and travel expenses. Duke University covers full tuition for students from families earning $65,000 or less and provides additional financial assistance for other expenses. Berea College has a long-standing "No Tuition Promise," working with FAFSA to cover housing, food, fees, and other costs.

Non-Profit Organizations

There are also non-profit organizations dedicated to helping low-income students access higher education. One example is OneGoal, which works with students to increase college options, navigate enrollment processes, and establish academic and financial foundations. They offer coaching and support to students, helping them prepare for college and apply for financial aid and scholarships.

Government Programs

In addition to private organizations and universities, governments also offer financial aid programs for low-income students. For example, the US federal Pell Grants provide need-based grants to low-income undergraduate students, which can be used to cover tuition fees, room and board, and other educational expenses.

Waivers and Discounts

Universities often have the discretion to waive certain fees or offer discounts to students from low-income backgrounds. This could include waiving application fees, providing textbook vouchers, or reducing other administrative fees associated with university attendance.

By combining these various forms of financial assistance, less fortunate students can receive the support they need to access and succeed in university education.

Improve access to quality education and academic support

Improving access to quality education and academic support for less fortunate students in university is a complex task that requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some strategies that can help:

Address Basic Needs Insecurity

Firstly, it is crucial to address the basic needs of students, such as food, housing, and financial stability. Insecurity in these areas can hinder a student's ability to focus on their education. Many colleges and the government have programs to assist with these needs, such as food assistance programs, emergency financial assistance, and grants or scholarships. For instance, Boston College's Options Through Education program helps low-income, high-achieving students with tuition and living expenses for up to four years. Additionally, websites like Cheap Apartments for College Students can help students find affordable housing options.

Provide Academic Support and Resources

Offering academic retention programs, academic skill centres, and tutoring services can help less fortunate students succeed academically. Academic retention programs, such as those offered by Portland State University and Hilbert College, provide support to ensure students stay on track with their studies. Academic skill centres, often available for free on campuses, can assist students in refining essential skills like time management, test-taking, and writing. Tutoring services, provided by older students or graduates, can offer additional support in various subjects.

Foster an Inclusive Community

Creating an inclusive community is essential to supporting less fortunate students. Universities should strive to go beyond diversity and create an environment where all students feel a sense of belonging. This includes addressing the needs of underrepresented students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. For example, Harvard University keeps its undergraduate dining halls open during breaks to provide meals for low-income students who may not have another place to eat.

Prepare Students for the Transition to University

Many less fortunate students may benefit from additional support in navigating the transition to university life. Programs that help students from disadvantaged backgrounds understand the norms and expectations of university life can ease this transition. For instance, organisations like OneGoal work with high school students to establish academic and social foundations for college success, offering campus tours and summer programs to introduce students to college life.

Collaborate with Organisations Supporting Less Fortunate Students

Partnering with organisations dedicated to helping less fortunate students can be beneficial. For example, QuestBridge, partnered with nearly 50 colleges and universities, aims to revolutionise how universities recruit talented low-income youth. Similarly, EdTrust works at the state and federal levels to ensure equity in education, analysing data to identify opportunity gaps and working to close them.

By implementing these strategies and addressing the various challenges faced by less fortunate students, universities can improve access to quality education and academic support, ultimately helping these students succeed and thrive in their academic pursuits.

Address basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter

Addressing basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter is crucial for the well-being and success of less fortunate students in university. Here are some ways to help:

Food

Food insecurity is a significant issue among university students, especially those from low-income backgrounds. The rising cost of tuition, room, and board have made it challenging for many students to afford meals. To help less fortunate students with their food needs, consider the following strategies:

• Advocate for affordable meal plans: University administrators can work with food service providers to offer discounted or subsidized meal plans for students in need. These plans could be tailored to the specific needs of this student population, ensuring they have access to nutritious and affordable meals.
• Establish food pantries on campus: Setting up food pantries or food banks on campus can provide less fortunate students with access to free or low-cost food items. These pantries can be stocked through donations, food drives, or partnerships with local grocery stores and restaurants.
• Provide grocery gift cards or vouchers: Universities can partner with local grocery stores to provide gift cards or vouchers to less fortunate students, ensuring they can purchase essential food items. Alternatively, universities can offer small grants or emergency funds to help cover the cost of groceries.
• Extend dining hall operating hours: Many students struggle to find affordable food options when dining halls close during school breaks. Extending the operating hours of at least one dining hall during these periods can help ensure that students have access to meals throughout the year.
• Offer cooking and budgeting workshops: Teaching basic cooking and budgeting skills can empower students to make the most of their limited resources. These workshops can cover topics like meal planning, shopping on a budget, and preparing inexpensive yet nutritious meals.

Clothing and Shelter

Addressing clothing and shelter needs is equally important in supporting less fortunate students:

• Clothing drives and donations: Organize clothing drives on campus or within the local community to collect gently used clothing items for students in need. Ensure a variety of sizes, styles, and seasonal items are available. Alternatively, provide students with vouchers or gift cards to second-hand stores or discount clothing retailers.
• Emergency housing assistance: University housing offices can play a vital role in supporting less fortunate students facing housing insecurity. Offer emergency housing grants or short-term housing options on or near campus for students who cannot afford rent or are experiencing homelessness.
• Partnerships with local shelters: Collaborate with local homeless shelters or transitional housing programs to provide temporary housing options for students facing housing instability. Ensure these partnerships offer a safe and supportive environment for students to focus on their studies while addressing their housing needs.
• Basic needs resources: Create a comprehensive resource guide or website that lists local and on-campus resources related to food, clothing, and shelter. This guide can include information about campus food pantries, clothing drives, emergency housing assistance, and other relevant services.

By implementing these strategies, universities can make a significant difference in the lives of less fortunate students, ensuring they have their basic needs met and creating an environment where they can thrive academically and personally.

Offer emotional support through mentorship programs

Mentorship programs are a great way to offer emotional support to less fortunate students in universities. These programs pair more experienced professionals or students with less experienced or first-generation students, fostering a sense of guidance and community.

The University of Pennsylvania's Penn First Plus (P1P) program, for example, offers various mentorship initiatives to support students' transition to university life and their academic and professional journeys. Their Gateway Student Mentorship program (GSM) connects incoming first-year and transfer students with upper-level undergraduates and faculty who have experienced being first-generation students themselves. The program includes individual/cohort meetings between mentees and mentors, faculty discussions, and community/mentoring circles. During the 2023-2024 academic year, community circle topics included "Thriving Academically at Penn," "Summer Opportunities," and "Taking Care of Yourself."

Similarly, the College of Health and Human Sciences at Kansas State University offers a Professional Mentoring Program. This program matches mentors and mentees based on field, major, location, and interests for one full year, with the option to continue. The formal mentoring relationship is expected to last for at least an academic year, with mentors and mentees completing questionnaires to ensure a suitable pairing.

Through these mentorship programs, less fortunate students can gain emotional support by connecting with individuals who have shared similar experiences and can offer guidance and advice. Mentors can provide a sense of belonging and help students navigate the academic and social aspects of university life, enhancing their overall well-being and sense of connection to the university community.

Additionally, organizations like QuestBridge and OneGoal are dedicated to helping low-income students gain access to higher education and succeed once they get there. QuestBridge, partnered with nearly 50 colleges and universities, aims to revolutionize how universities recruit talented low-income youth. OneGoal, on the other hand, works with students to increase their college options, navigate the enrollment process, and establish academic, social, and financial foundations. Through after-school sessions, campus tours, and summer programs, coaches guide students in preparing for the academic and emotional aspects of university life.

Help with transportation to and from campus

Transportation can be a significant roadblock to education, with students from low-income families and students of colour disproportionately affected. Transportation can account for almost 20% of the cost of college for commuters, and long, stressful commutes can negatively impact students' sleep and exercise routines.

There are several ways to help less fortunate students with transportation to and from campus. Firstly, universities can offer transit passes, as American University in Washington, D.C., has done since 2016. Students pay a mandatory fee per semester for unlimited rides on the city's subways and buses. This helps to remove the burden of cost and the stress of a long commute.

Another option is to bring education closer to students. Valencia College in Orlando, Florida, for example, operates several centres in areas close to public transportation but lacking in educational opportunities. This reduces the distance students need to travel and helps them save money on transportation.

Additionally, schools and communities can access funds to help transport students to and from school. There are transportation grants available, and some schools have implemented innovative transportation models. For example, one Arizona school district worked with HopSkipDrive to secure a $2M student transportation grant, implementing a "hub-and-spoke" model where students are shuttled to a central hub and then driven together to school.

Furthermore, organizations like QuestBridge and OneGoal are dedicated to helping low-income students access higher education. They work with colleges and universities to aid underrepresented students and provide support and coaching to help students prepare for college.

By addressing transportation barriers, universities can help ensure that all students have equal access to education, regardless of their financial situation.

Frequently asked questions