Exploring the Reach and Impact of Basic Needs Services at Postsecondary Institutions

September 2024
student studying on a bed

Findings from the ECMC Foundation Basic Needs Initiative

This presentation will feature findings from the ECMC Foundation Basic Needs Initiative (BNI) second evaluation report. This evaluation examined student access to basic needs services at 20 institutions supported by BNI grantees and the impact of using services on students’ short-term academic outcomes. We found students use basic needs services at relatively low rates but experience positive impacts on their academic outcomes when they do. We also found that collecting data on students’ use of basic needs services and linking it to demographic and outcome data was a new—and sometimes challenging—practice for participating institutions. Panelists from Auburn University, Lake Tahoe Community College, Mt. San Antonio College, and United Way of King County will share their experiences building systems, partnerships, and capacity to collect and connect student-level basic needs services data with demographic and outcomes data to study the use of basic needs services and their impact on student outcomes.

Webinar Recording



  • HOST

    Sam Riggs

    Principal Researcher & Data Sharing and Security Lead

  • CO-HOST

    Michelle Hodara

    Senior Leader, Applied Research & Equitable Evaluation

  • CO-HOST

    Ireri Rivas Mier y Teran
    Ireri Rivas Mier y Teran

    Program Officer, ECMC Foundation


Panelists

  • Sarah Grace Walters (Auburn University)
  • Cathy Stute (Mt. San Antonio College)
  • Rigo Estrada (Mt. San Antonio College)
  • Elizabeth Balint (Lake Tahoe Community College)
  • Laura Salinas (Lake Tahoe Community College)
  • Emily Portillo (United Way of King County)