A candid conversation
Emergency aid has become a core part of many institutions’ strategies to address student basic needs insecurity, boost retention, and enhance student success. That is why on August 27, 2021, SHEEO President Rob Anderson and Beam Founder/CEO David Helene hosted a candid conversation with 80 higher education leaders from around the country about the challenges and opportunities of emergency aid distribution.
Among the topics discussed:
- The importance of breaking down internal silos, as 70% of students who seek emergency aid are facing more than one basic needs issue at a time.
- Considerations of cash equivalent supports like rental assistance and SNAP and how to ensure such supports are part of a go-forward emergency aid strategy
- Approaches for demonstrating efficacy, to ensure future funding for basic needs programs
- Innovative state legislation, including “Hunger-Free Campus” and “Basic Needs Coordinator” bills.
