The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University

Program Description: 

The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania aims to improve student persistence and wellbeing by addressing basic student needs like housing stability, food security, mental health care, childcare, internet access, and transportation. These barriers deepen inequities by hampering the ability of some learners to access postsecondary education, which can be a key component of economic and social mobility. 
 
The Hope Center conducts research across the country on student basic need security and evaluates various interventions that help alleviate those needs. The center’s Student Basic Needs Survey regularly surveys the country’s students and consistently finds that nearly 3 in 5 college learners experience food or housing insecurity. The survey results inform institutional practice, state and federal policy and advocacy, and further rigorous research into basic needs insecurities and associated supports.  

Through Hope Impact Partnerships (HIP) program, the center provides collaborative coaching and training to colleges and universities that aim to improve their learners’ access to basic needs supports. The center also advocates for systemic state and federal policy change aimed at increasing college affordability and accessibility and fulfilling the basic needs of college learners.  

Impact: 

The Hope Center has provided guidance on dozens of policies and bills passed at both state and federal levels. Their research shows the importance of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) programs and other social security programs for college learners. 
 
Every year, the center outlines federal policy priorities, informed by the Student Basic Needs Survey and other finds in the field. They use data to advocate for state and federal policy changes aimed at closing equity gaps and increasing college completion rates. The Hope Center co-leads the National Coalition for College Student Essential Needs, working collaboratively with over 450 organizations and individuals on collaborative, strategic solutions to address student basic needs. 

Population Served: 

The 3 in 5 college learners whose basic needs are not met. 

Learn more here.

Page last updated in August 2026