May 15, 2025

The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs was contracted by the State of Michigan, to partner with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) and the Michigan Community College Association to assemble a task force to identify state policy opportunities to remove financial insecurity as a barrier to students’ pursuit of educational goals, including completion of a degree or credential. The task force, which held its inaugural convening in March 2024, looked at how issues differ across regions and campuses, what interventions are helping, and best practices from around the nation.

We are grateful for the support of The Joyce Foundation, that made the work possible. We are also thankful for the support of the ECMC Foundation, which enabled The Hope Center to conduct student focus groups and help ensure student voices shaped the work and were included in the final report.  

The report we released as part of our work together, authored by PI Dr. Sara Abelson and Hope Practitioner-Research David Thompson, outlines 12 bold, actionable recommendations to eliminate basic need barriers for college students.   

Developed in collaboration with institutions, state agencies, and organizations across Michigan, the recommendations aim to ensure that no student is forced to choose between continuing their education and meeting fundamental needs like food, housing, transportation or mental health care. 

The report calls for campus-based navigators, expanded access to child care, increased mental health support, and improved connections to public benefits and community resources. It also emphasizes the importance of culturally competent support, and enhanced data to guide ongoing improvements.  

“This report is the result of visionary collaboration across Michigan, grounded in the understanding that meeting students’ basic needs isn’t extra—it’s essential,” said Dr. Sara Abelson, Senior Director of Training and Education at The Hope Center.