UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — According to a 2019 study by the American Psychological Association (APA), more than one-third of college students in the United States struggle to meet their basic needs like having enough food and having stable housing. A new initiative by the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) and Student Affairs aims to cultivate solutions to student poverty at Penn State.
“Our student governments are focused on tangible action, in partnership with the University administration, to meaningfully address the challenges posed by financial insufficiency among students,” said Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs. “I am grateful for their commitment, and I look forward to working with the new student advisory group to identify better ways to coordinate and facilitate the many good purposes being pursued to address these needs.”
UPUA seeks dedicated undergraduate and graduate students to make up a Student Advisory Board on Student Poverty to brainstorm ways in which the University may work to prevent poverty among the student body. With a two- to three-hour weekly time commitment, board members will work to increase efforts against student poverty.
UPUA seeks applicants from diverse backgrounds; those in student organizations who have advocated for poverty solutions; students with academic experience in relevant disciplines to bring technical expertise to the board; and students who are passionate about enacting tangible change regarding student poverty.
Applications to serve on the board will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Nov. 5. All University Park and Commonwealth Campus students may apply. UPUA is working with the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG) to ensure outreach for any Commonwealth Campus students selected for the board to meet in person.
Accepted students will be expected to attend a weekly in-person meeting that will not exceed one hour.
Najee Rodriguez, UPUA vice president, said the issue hits home, as poverty has affected him. He said numerous other students are struggling to make ends meet.
“We have a real opportunity to create a long-lasting solution that would alleviate the lives of thousands of students over the years, the lives of students who just want to focus on their education in efforts to pursue a better life,” Rodriguez said. “This work is important, and it is happening now.”
Penn State currently offers various resources for students struggling to access food, housing and other necessities. Students may contact one of the many Student Affairs offices that offer support and resources, including Student Care and Advocacy. Additionally, the Lion’s Pantry is stocked with various food, household, and toiletry items at no cost to students. The University also houses Project Cahir, an organization committed to fighting poverty within the campus community.
Once the advisory board is up and running, Rodriguez hopes that its core group of students will be able to guide focus groups and outreach to other students to gain a broader perspective.
“This Advisory Board will hopefully have a positive impact on students for decades to come, and it’s more important than ever,” Rodriguez said. “We appreciate the attention to the issue by Student Affairs and their commitment to help spearhead this initiative because we now have the hope of ensuring equity for all students.”
Contact Rodriguez at nar5515@psu.edu with any questions about the advisory board application.