Hudson County Community College Podcast Spotlights How ‘Hudson Helps’ Eliminates Barriers to Higher Education
January 30, 2020
January 30, 2020, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County Community College (HCCC) students who face hardships that force them to drop out now have a lifeline of resources through “Hudson Helps.” The College’s “Out of the Box” podcast details how the initiative addresses non-academic factors that keep students from completing their education.
It is estimated that approximately 50 percent of community college students nationwide experience food insecurity and 15 percent endure homelessness, according to the United States Government Accountability Office. The HCCC “Hudson Helps” program provides food, emergency financial assistance, referrals, counseling, clothing, and more.
“The characteristics of our diverse urban student body place our students at particular risk for challenging life circumstances that are significant barriers to their degree completion. The College community is focused on student success and how we can help more students finish their programs. But, if you don’t know where your next meal is coming from, or you don’t have a place to sleep, academic support services aren’t enough,” said HCCC President Dr. Chris Reber.
The “Hudson Helps” podcast includes information about a new emergency funding program, and how it has helped students. Information is also provided on making donations.
The “Hudson Helps” podcast is part of the College’s monthly “Out of the Box” series that launched last year. Discussions featuring guest speakers focus on programs, events, issues, and solutions that affect the people of Hudson County. Links to all of the College’s podcasts may be found at: https://www.hccc.edu/outofthebox/