MSCSE announces three new partnerships to help students

Grants and new AmeriCorps coordinator will enable more low-income students to graduate, college says.

Written By: Newsroom, September 23, 2020

Minnesota State College Southeast has been awarded up to $572,000 to reimburse 50% of the college's expenses in providing support services to students who receive SNAP benefits.

SNAP -- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -- provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families, so they can purchase healthful food and move toward self-sufficiency.

"So many students are in need. The cost of education has gone up. It's hard to work and go to school at the same time, and employment options are closed off right now due to COVID-19," said Josiah Litant, MSC Southeast vice president of student affairs and dean of students. "We can make sure that people are knowledgeable about the funding available through SNAP and have help in accessing those resources. We are trying to destigmatize these critical supports, as we work to help students on a path towards greater independent financial stability."

When students don't complete their education, it's often because of outside pressures such as finances, food insecurity, child care, access to housing and transportation, or other non-academic issues, the college said. Because of the SNAP partnership, MSC Southeast will be able to invest much more in support services to help students overcome these challenges and graduate with the skills they need to find employment.

Read the full story: https://www.rivertowns.net/news/education/6674926-MSCSE-announces-three-new-partnerships-to-help-students