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May 15, 2025
Basic Needs Task Force report outlines 12 priority recommendations to support student success by addressing barriers including food insecurity, housing, transportation, mental health care and more
DETROIT, Mich. – Today, the Michigan College Student Basic Needs Task Force, a statewide coalition of higher education and community leaders, released a new report outlining 12 bold, actionable recommendations to work toward eliminating basic need barriers for college students. The report was spearheaded by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) with support from The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs and the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) as part of the state's commitment to increasing student success and improving college completion rates.
“When students’ basic needs go unmet, their ability to succeed is significantly compromised,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “Every day, students are showing up and striving for a better future, often while quietly carrying burdens we don’t see. That’s why this report is so important. It’s a call to action and a roadmap for institutions, policymakers, and communities to work together to build systems that make success possible for every student.”
Developed in collaboration with state departments, higher education institutions, and partners across Michigan, the recommendations aim to ensure that no student is forced to choose between continuing their education and meeting fundamental needs like food, housing, transportation or mental health care. The report calls for campus-based navigators, expanded access to child care for student parents, increased institution-provided mental health support for students, and improved connections to public benefits and community resources. It also emphasizes the importance of culturally competent support, and enhanced data to guide ongoing improvements.
“At Wayne State we are committed to removing financial barriers for students who wish to earn a bachelor’s degree because we know that access to higher education is the greatest path to launching a career and changing the trajectory of a family’s life,” said Laurie Lauzon Clabo, Ph.D., Wayne State University provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “Implementing the recommendations from the Basic Needs Task Force will go a long way in ensuring that students can focus more on their studies and less on financial concerns making all the difference in successfully earning a degree.”
Launched in 2024, the Task Force convened a statewide group of leaders, including college administrators, advocacy partners, state agencies and philanthropic organizations to build on growing national momentum to address non-academic barriers as a core part of student success strategy.
"No student should have to worry about their most basic needs while striving for a degree or career path,” said Coco Moulder, Task Force member and executive director at Pontiac Promise Zone. “This process not only helps Pontiac Promise Scholars and first-generation students, but any student who deserves stability, support, and access to essential resources—because when their foundation is secure, their potential for success has no limits."
“Students of all ages deserve the support and resources they need to pursue the education and career path that is right for them,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “No student should be forced to choose between their educational goals and meeting their basic needs.”
The Task Force drew on national research and technical support from The Hope Center to align Michigan’s work with both in-state innovation and best practices from across the country.
“This report is the result of visionary collaboration across Michigan, grounded in the understanding that meeting students’ basic needs isn’t extra—it’s essential,” said Dr. Sara Abelson, senior director of Training and Education at the Hope Center. “These bold recommendations offer a practical, hopeful path forward. The Hope Center is proud to support Michigan’s commitment to systems-level change—which sets a strong example for other states to follow—and we’re honored to help shape a future where no student must choose between learning and survival.”
"We know that postsecondary education leads to better jobs and higher wages,” said Brandy Johnson, president of MCCA. “We are excited to see the Basic Needs Task Force identify what is working for Michigan students and what we can improve upon to make sure each student can be successful and reach their career goals.”
The Task Force’s 12 Priority Recommendations include:
In response to the Task Force’s recommendations, MiLEAP has also launched a new College Student Basic Needs Task Force Resource webpage to offer students, institutions and community partners easier access to services and support statewide.
“This resource hub is about making support easier to find so students can stay focused on their goals,” said Sarah Szurpicki, director of MiLEAP’s Office of Sixty by 30. “It’s an immediate step we’re taking in response to the Task Force’s work, but it’s only the beginning. While we know a webpage alone isn’t the solution, it’s a clear starting point to directly connect students with the resources they need. We’re committed to continuing this work through even more impactful, long-term solutions to remove barriers and help more Michiganders earn a degree or credential.”
MiLEAP was proud to partner with philanthropy including the Joyce Foundation and ECMC Foundation to convene the Task Force, host student focus groups, and ensure this report is informed by national best practice.
To access the full report and to learn more about supporting this work, visit Michigan.gov/StudentBasicNeeds.
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