Despite community colleges offering a more affordable path to higher education, many community college STEM students experience significant barriers. Limited access to food, housing, mental health support, transportation, internet/technology, or child care can hinder students' ability to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. This report shares findings from 80 community colleges across 14 states that fielded The Hope Center Student Basic Needs Survey between Spring 2023 and Fall 2024.
62% of STEM majors experience basic needs insecurity related to food and/or housing.
Rates are even higher among part-time students, Pell grant recipients, students with disabilities, Black and Indigenous students, former foster youth, and students who were involved with the carceral system.
Among STEM majors who experienced at least one form of basic needs insecurity, almost one in five had not utilized any campus resources or public benefits, primarily because they were not aware of the supports available to them.
80% of students who had previously stopped out of college (left without completing a credential) reported that basic needs insecurity was a factor in their decision to stop out.
Recommendations for STEM faculty and institutions are discussed.
