Nearly 40% of Minnesota's undergraduate students experience basic needs insecurity (characterized by a lack of access to, or ability to afford, resources like sufficient food, stable housing, reliable transportation, affordable and accessible mental and physical healthcare) that jeopardizes their ability to be academically successful, to reach their educational goals, and to increase their ability to earn a family sustaining wage.
While many of Minnesota's colleges and universities, as well as student advocacy groups, community organizations, and state agencies, have implemented strategies to address basic needs insecurity, too many students continue to struggle with persistent financial and basic needs insecurity.
This report, created through the collaborative efforts of a legislatively mandated working group, identifies 32 recommendations across eight basic needs domains that, as well as identifying areas for future research or discussion. This combination of both standalone and overlapping strategies for continued state investment reflects the reality that ending basic needs insecurity will require sustained and collaborative efforts from college and universities, the state of Minnesota, and community and industry stakeholders as well.
