Building stronger student basic needs support ecosystems

Across higher education, more institutions are recognizing the importance of addressing students’ basic needs. But knowing the need exists is only the beginning. Building an effective, coordinated, and sustainable approach takes intentional strategy, practical tools, strong systems, and people equipped to do the work. The Basic Needs Training Center helps colleges and universities build those foundations.

The Basic Needs Training Center provides practical training, evaluation, tools, and hands-on institutional support to help colleges and universities strengthen the way they identify, respond to, and support students experiencing basic needs insecurity.

Informed by Kennesaw State University CARE Services’ experience developing, implementing, and evaluating student basic needs programs, the Center brings together proven practices, practical tools, and lessons learned from doing this work on the ground. Our approach is designed for institutions at any stage, from those building their first coordinated basic needs program to established programs seeking to strengthen systems, evaluate impact, and sustain their work.

Practical support for people doing the work

The Basic Needs Training Center works alongside higher education professionals, campus teams, and institutional leaders to translate ideas into action.

Through training, technical assistance, program evaluation, and capacity-building partnerships, the Center helps institutions:

  • Build or strengthen coordinated basic needs support systems
  • Develop policies, protocols, and referral pathways
  • Improve identification and connection to campus and community resources
  • Strengthen cross-campus collaboration and institutional capacity
  • Use data and evaluation to understand program effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement
  • Develop sustainable approaches that can grow with changing student needs

Our goal is not simply to provide information. It is to help institutions build the capacity to put effective basic needs practices into place.

  • Our training opportunities are designed to meet institutions where they are, with practical content and tools that participants can apply immediately.
  • Explore the essential elements of a coordinated student basic needs program, assess your institution’s current readiness, and identify priorities for moving from awareness to action.
  • Build on existing programs and services by developing the structures, strategies, and operating practices needed to create a more coordinated and sustainable approach to student basic needs.
  • Work with your team and stakeholders to examine program effectiveness, strengthen policies and practices, use evaluation findings to guide improvement, and build a foundation for long-term sustainability.
  • A practical professional development series for practitioners working in student basic needs and related student support areas. Participants develop usable tools and strategies they can take directly back to their campuses and communities.

From training to implementation

Whether you are launching a new initiative, strengthening an established program, or looking for an experienced partner to help evaluate and improve your work, the Basic Needs Training Center can meet you where you are.

Learn. Build. Implement. Evaluate. Sustain.

The Basic Needs Training Center, formerly known as the ASCEND Center, was developed by Kennesaw State University CARE Services and builds on KSU's experience developing and implementing comprehensive student basic needs support.

Ready to strengthen your campus approach?

Explore available training and capacity-building opportunities or contact the Basic Needs Training Center to discuss how we can support your institution.

Explore Training Opportunities

 Questions? Email the Basic Needs Training Center at basicneedscenter@kennesaw.edu.