Streamline and Expand Wraparound Supports on Campus and in Communities
The Commission recommends the provision and streamlining of school-based wraparound supports, including the expansion of the community schools model and campus food pantries.
School-based wraparound supports, whether in a K-12 or higher education setting, can be crucial for meeting learners’ basic needs and helping them be ready to learn. Such wraparound or integrated student supports describe a model in which a school-employed coordinator helps to assess learners in need and connect them to various services they may be eligible for and benefit from, including mental health care or housing and nutrition assistance.1 A dedicated coordinator in this position can be informed about and familiar with the appropriate contacts at other social service agencies and community-based organizations and can serve as a trusted liaison for families who need additional support.
Streamlining referrals and eligibility applications for these services can remove significant time and informational barriers for learners and families in need.
Learner at a community college in California
“One thing that helped a lot in high school was when the library was open later than usual on Tuesdays, we could go there to have that break from home, but that should be available other days of the week to give students a quiet place to study away from home if they need it.”
Related recommendation:
Streamline and Expand Wraparound Supports on Campus and in CommunitiesLearner at a technical college in Massachusetts
“I noticed the professors do a lot of that too, where they notice kids sleeping in the back of the class. They’ll pull ‘em aside after and say, ‘Hey, is everything okay at home? Are you getting enough sleep? What’s going on? How can I help you? You need to come in on another time and do this test.’ I’ve definitely noticed that.”
Related recommendation:
Meet Learners’ Basic NeedsHigh school student in Texas
“I feel like maybe if we had programs that helped create communities before going to colleges, I know there’s certain programs ... where whoever is chosen to go to a select college, they all have a community and they meet each other beforehand. But I feel like we just need more of that, so I can feel like I have someone before I step into a whole different world.”
Related recommendation:
Streamline and Expand Wraparound Supports on Campus and in Communities
A promising model for coordinated provision of wraparound services in K-12 schools is community schools, an integrated, student-centered approach that situates schools as hubs for academic instruction alongside health, social, and family supportservices, typically implemented through a full-time community school coordinator position in partnership with community-based organizations and social service agencies. One such program, the California Community Schools Partnership, was shown to improve attendance and academic proficiency, and to do so most effectively among historically underserved learners.
Food insecurity can be a significant barrier to learners. If learners are hungry or feel pressure to work to afford food while in school, their ability to focus in class and dedicate time and attention to schoolwork may be compromised. Some K-12 schools partner with local food pantries and will drop off a bag of prepackaged meals or groceries in learners’ classrooms or lockers before they leave on Friday in case they do not have consistent access to food over the weekend. Many colleges have food pantries on campus available to learners.
Related Promising Practices
New Mexico Community Schools
New Mexico’s Community Schools are are a whole child, comprehensive community-based strategy that provide wraparound supports and transform schools.
- NM
- Basic Needs
- K-12 Educators & Leaders
- Policymakers
Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI)
THEI creates opportunities for autonomy and success through education, support, and advocacy with and for justice-impacted individuals.
- TN
- Non-Linear Pathways
- Basic Needs
- Higher Education Leaders
- Policymakers
Virginia Commonwealth University’s Little Ram Pantries
Little Ram Pantries of Virginia Commonwealth University provide a variety of food items and personal care essentials free to any learner.
- VA
- Basic Needs
- Higher Education Leaders
Endnotes
- 1
Partnership for Student Success, “Learn More: Wraparound/Integrated Student Supports,” Everyone Graduates Center, Johns Hopkins University, https://www.partnershipstudentsuccess.org/wraparound-integrated-student….
