Caring for the whole student
At the University of California, we are committed to ensuring our students have the resources to achieve their full potential. That includes instituting critical basic needs services, supports and policies that prioritize social justice, financial stability and health equity for all.
THE NEED
Delivering on the promise of higher education means serving students from all walks of life. Yet, across the country, millions of students struggle with stable access to food and housing. The rising cost of college, coupled with a high cost of living and diminished value of federal financial aid, has increased the stress of managing expenses, especially among low-income and economically vulnerable students.
THE RESPONSE
UC has launched a comprehensive initiative to address basic needs insecurity and ensure students have the means to support their well-being. The initiative seeks to identify the root causes of basic needs insecurity and provide a systemwide safety net so that students are able to succeed and thrive.
GOALS
Leading systemic change to promote justice and equity for all students
UC is working toward one of the largest anti-poverty and economic justice efforts in its history: to cut the number of its students experiencing basic needs insecurity in half by 2025.
SERVICES
A growing network of people and programs to support student success
The collective impact of campus, community and county services and programs is critical to helping students who are basic needs insecure. Statewide advocacy and support have led to funding that improves access to services like food assistance, rapid rehousing, financial literacy, cooking workshops, mental health support and other free services.
STUDENT STORIES
UC students share their basic needs stories
"It was hard to concentrate on classes when I was worried about paying rent and where I could get meals. The basic needs resources on campus have been essential to minimizing my stress regarding essential needs like food and housing."
CAMPUS CENTERS
Community spaces for community care
All 10 UC campuses have on-site basic needs centers, providing food, emergency housing and a comprehensive range of support services — any UC student can use services at the basic needs center nearest them, not just on the campus where they are enrolled. Trained staff and students on each campus can connect students to essential services and supports.
RESOURCES
UC Systemwide Reciprocity Resources
This document compiles the ongoing basic needs programs and services offered to all UC students, regardless of home campus and geographic location.