JFF calls on states to adopt policies that enable community colleges to help students deal with economic insecurities. Specifically, states should offer emergency aid to help students cover unexpected life expenses. States should also help colleges develop the capacity to screen students to see if they are eligible for public assistance. States also should exercise the flexibility granted under federal policies to remove barriers to aid for students—for example, they could eliminate rules requiring students to work in order to receive aid.
Additionally, states should take advantage of federal matching programs to provide low-income students with supplemental supports, such as tuition assistance or career coaching services. And because educational institutions may not be capable of providing students with non-academic services (e.g., mental health care or assistance with landlord-tenant disputes), states should give community colleges incentives to establish partnerships with community organizations that can provide such assistance.
