Some days, Lacresha Chukwuemeka would attend classes at Dallas College without having breakfast. A diabetic, the nursing student knew that missing a meal could spike her blood sugar level. She also knew that she needed help sustaining her most basic needs.

With a quick stop at a Dallas College food pantry, she refueled on healthy snacks.

A first-generation college student, she has relied on Dallas College’s Student Care Network to help with other needs — childcare, rent assistance, emergency aid and free transportation provided by DART — all in an effort to keep her college dreams from derailing.

“Dallas College has been my anchor,” said Chukwuemeka, a single mother of a 5-year-old son. “Being the primary parent, it has taken a village, and Dallas College has been that village. They helped me find childcare. Sometimes, trying to get my essential groceries has been a challenge. I didn’t have family here in Dallas, so Dallas College has been my family.”

She was, though, concerned about the stigma attached to those seeking aid. The need for safe and reliable childcare and affordable housing helped her power through the social stain of seeking assistance.

“I tell other students, if you’re in need, don’t be too proud to ask for help. I can still go to school and focus on my classes. I can keep my grades up. That’s a plan for success,” said Chukwuemeka, who works at Eastfield Campus and attends classes at North Lake. She has been in and out of college but hopes the assistance she receives will sustain her as she pursues a career in pediatric nursing.

Institutional commitment to student success

Since its infancy, the Student Care Network has been a hub complete with resources for services to help students who may otherwise give up. Lack of food, according to college officials, is a constant and affects approximately 20,000 students. Dallas College is not alone. For college students nationwide, the demand for food increases each year.

Dallas College’s Learner Care Model provides services to ensure that basic needs are met and students are supported throughout their educational pursuits.

Last month, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) at the Department of Education released a major federal report confirming that students in higher education are struggling to meet their basic needs. They found that at least 34% of college students across the U.S. report that they face hunger.

Feeding Texas, an organization that leads a unified effort for a hunger-free Texas, says that 38% of students in Texas two-year colleges experience hunger. This bars thousands of students from becoming economically self-sufficient.

At Dallas College, the figure is closer to 59%, officials said. Issues with well-being are so pervasive that it takes some students eight years to complete a two-year degree, said Cathy Edwards, dean of the college’s Student Care Network. She oversees a network of projects that assist students with much-needed social supports.

“Students come in and get what we call ‘grab and go’ snacks that may include a drink and a snack,” Edwards said. Students may return later to take home weekly groceries. She credits Dallas College partners like the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) for their assistance in providing food to help with better outcomes and eliminate food insecurity.

Her team assures that students have a chance to enter college, complete their degrees and move seamlessly into their desired careers or transfer to a four-year institution.

Dubbed “barrier busters,” Dallas College student care team members are constantly working to shore up resources as they expand free services. There are food pantries across college locations, where students can shop anytime the pantries are open. Members of the community are invited to shop during Drive-Thru Pantry and Community Pantry Days.

Food insecurity has the potential to harm college students’ ability to achieve their educational and professional goals, according to Feeding America. Food insecurity and health are intricately linked, they say.

The college’s Learner Care Network also provides case management, on- and off-campus social service resources, transportation options and emergency aid, Edwards said. In some cases, short-term emergency housing is also available. Virtual as well as in-house counseling and psychological services are available to address mental health challenges that can immobilize even the most centered students.

Dallas College has long focused on providing solutions that help students achieve a positive college experience, said Stephanie Harris, dean of basic needs and student care.

“Seeing our students succeed adds value to what we’re doing,” she said.

Student parents like Chukwuemeka, who has been in and out of college, are especially vulnerable. They have a bevy of challenges that not only impact them but also their children. Their needs go well beyond enrollment.

Her story is like those of many others who are one step away from quitting college because they lack adequate support.

Finding advocates

Brandon Griffith, who recently achieved two certificates from Dallas College’s Lancaster Workforce Development Center, found himself in need of counseling and food. He is grateful for the role student wellness advocates played in his life.

“The food pantry helped me a lot. I got some ramen noodles,” he said, laughing about the inexpensive, versatile college student staple. But he is serious about the college’s commitment to keeping him and other students nourished and engaged.

In fact, staff were so impressed with his work (two simultaneous certificates and an eagerness to learn) that he was offered and accepted a job to work at the pantry at that Lancaster center.

“I know about the pantry. People would bring food and in minutes it was gone. We all need a little help,” said Griffith, who wants to work in media and is enrolling for the Spring semester.

Participants in Dallas College Student Care Network are mostly first-generation, low to moderate income students whose success is threatened by social and financial challenges, Edwards said. Removing barriers to success is both intentional and aspirational.

“We rely heavily on our partners,” she said.

Last month, through a partnership with YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, a new Child Watch Program launched at the college’s Health Science Center on the El Centro Campus. There, drop-in child care is free for those who qualify.

“Our students can simply drop off their child, enabling them to attend classes, study groups and other campus events, all worry-free,” said Dallas College Chancellor Justin Lonon.

“This partnership allows us to leverage the YMCA’s extensive experience and child care services. While we’re starting at El Centro, plans are in place to expand this free offering to all seven campuses. This is yet another example of Dallas College working with community partners to solve problems for our students,” Lonon said.

The first three additional facilities are planned for North Lake, Richland and Mountain View campuses.

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