As we enter the season of gratitude, many families in our community continue to navigate rising costs for food, housing, childcare, healthcare and other necessities. College students are not isolated from these pressures. Many are balancing their education with jobs, family responsibilities and financial uncertainty.
Student success is often measured in classes, credits and degrees. But when students are worried about food, childcare or other challenges, focusing on coursework becomes much more difficult. Supporting student success means understanding what students carry with them into the classroom and helping them remain on a path toward their goals.
Across the country, colleges are seeing continued demand for food assistance, mental health resources, and other basic-needs support. We see many of those same realities at North Hennepin Community College. This fall, our food cupboard experienced its busiest month since the pandemic, distributing more than 11,000 pounds of food in September alone and serving hundreds of students and families.
Those numbers reflect genuine need, but they also suggest that more students know where to turn for support. As awareness grows, it becomes easier for students to take the important first step of asking for help.
Food insecurity is only part of the picture. Students may also need mental health counseling, connections to community resources, or guidance as they balance parenting and college. During CARE Week, NHCC's annual event focused on student well-being and support resources, more than 150 students attended a resource fair and community breakfast, demonstrating a willingness to connect with resources and one another.
For student parents, that support can make a meaningful difference. Mackenzie Martinez, a nursing student balancing school, work and raising children, knows that firsthand.
"The parent room, in particular, has made a huge difference for me," Mackenzie shared. "It gives me a safe and welcoming place where I can bring my children when needed while still being able to attend study groups and stay engaged in my coursework."
Mackenzie believes resources like these can help other student parents continue their education and pursue goals that may otherwise feel out of reach.
As Ellie McDowell, NHCC's social worker, explains, "One of the most encouraging things we're seeing is that more students are willing to reach out and ask for help connecting with resources. That tells us students are becoming more aware of the support available and more comfortable seeking assistance when they need it."
Ellie notes that many students simply need a conversation and reassurance that they do not have to navigate challenges alone.
Meeting these needs is a shared responsibility. Community members who would like to support local students are invited to participate in NHCC's annual Nourish & Flourish event on Nov. 19. Donations of food, hygiene essentials or financial gifts will help replenish the food cupboard and support students facing unexpected challenges.
When students have access to basic resources and caring connections, they are better able to focus, persist and move toward graduation. By responding with compassion and practical support, we strengthen not only individual students, but also the families and communities that share in their success.
This November, I invite our community to join us in that work. Together, we can help ensure every student has the support they need to thrive.