Madison College part of national cohort focused on student support

Madison College is among 27 national higher education institutions named to The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice's inaugural #RealCollege Institutional Capacity-Building Cohort (ICBC).

The program is designed to assist colleges and universities in retaining students who need food and housing supports and who were made more vulnerable because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The cohort will utilize data from The Hope Center’s evidence-based research studies to empower institutions in assisting #RealCollege students. It will also create an ecosystem for developing solutions to complex problems, to empower leaders to impact organizational change, and to build connections with other colleges. Member institutions will build their capacity for assessment, analysis, and social support systems for students.

“The ICBC Cohort will provide new and lasting connections for all member institutions as we explore the best practices for assisting students with food, housing, and the hidden challenges of degree completion during the pandemic,” said Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab, president and founder of The Hope Center. “This national cohort will move our research into action, building a diverse exchange of ideas and cohesion in our efforts.”

The cohort begins this month and runs through May 2022, with learning modules focused on assessment, support, driving state and federal policy and advocacy, and supporting the basic needs ecosystem. Each member institution will be represented by leaders including administrators, staff, faculty, and students. Sessions will offer deep analysis of The Hope Center’s research and annual surveys, which are the nation’s largest and longest-standing rigorous assessment of students’ basic needs.

"Student food and housing insecurity is a significant challenge that is reducing the odds of college achievement for many of our students. The results of this are increasing economic inequality," said Dr. Tim Casper, executive vice president of Student Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness at Madison College. "This partnership is committed to supporting students who are struggling with these basic needs."

The project is made possible by its member institutions as well as grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and ECMC Foundation.