Austin Community College District (ACC) is implementing a new plan to improve student access to essential (personal) resources. This work will focus on high-impact areas and provide resources that data show are most likely to reduce barriers to ACC student success, including food, housing, transportation, child care, and mental health support.
The Basic Needs Theory of Change Design Committee — led by Cara Crowley and Dr. Amber Sarker — released its Phase 1 recommendations during the Board of Trustees’ work session on Monday, May 5. The framework for long-term, systemic support is designed to support students to reach ACC’s North Star of 70% completion by the year 2030.
The committee focused on aligning ACC’s support systems with the Basic Needs Framework model. This model structures essential student resources around four key cornerstones:
- Essential Needs – Ensuring access to food, housing, and financial stability.
- Well-Being – Expanding mental health, wellness, and financial support.
- Safety and Security – Providing a safe learning environment and access to crisis resources.
- Sense of Belonging – Strengthening community connections and inclusive campus culture.
“We’re working to create a truly integrated support system that makes it easier for students to get the help they need, when and where they need it,” says Cara Crowley, Special Advisor to the Chancellor for Basic Needs Systems. “This isn’t about adding more programs—it’s about connecting the dots, so support is seamless and accessible across the college.”
The proposed initiatives include:
- A new staffing plan to strengthen student support and resource coordination across the district,
- A coordinated care network using the ‘Unite Us’ referral platform to connect students with community services more efficiently,
- A centralized website and communication hub to provide students and employees with easy access to available assistance, and
- Expanded food access programs that enhance current efforts and introduce new strategies to address food insecurity.
New Recommendations At-A-Glance
Other recommendations focus on expanding access, streamlining support, and enhancing coordination across the district. Highlights include:
- Child Care Scholarships
- ACC will launch a tiered child care scholarship model in fall 2025 to better align support with student enrollment and free up funds to serve more students.
- State Child Care Services Partnership
- By spring 2026, all child care scholarship recipients must apply for the state’s Child Care Services waitlist, positioning ACC aid as a bridge to long-term support.
- Drop-In Child Care Pilot
- A YMCA-operated drop-in child care pilot will begin at Round Rock in fall 2026, with plans to expand to all regions by fall 2027.
- Family Resource Corners
- Free diaper, wipe, and period product stations will launch at Highland and Round Rock in 2025, with Elgin and Hays following in 2026.
- Clothing Closets
- Professional and basic clothing closets will launch at Highland, Round Rock, and Hays in 2026, with a guide to support expansion at other campuses.
- Emergency Aid Evaluation
- ACC will redesign its emergency aid program by fall 2026 to improve transparency, efficiency, and access for all students, including Adult Education learners.
- Food Pantry Expansion
- All campuses will have a shelf-stable size appropriate food pantry beginning this fall, along with a student ID scan system and expanded SNAP enrollment support.
- Telehealth Access
- A 24/7 student telehealth program is proposed for launch in fall 2025, alongside increased on-campus mental health staffing.
- Housing Navigation Services
- Students will gain access to free housing navigation and updated affordable housing listings beginning fall 2025 through new partnerships.
- Transportation Access
- Plans include expanding free transit access to Continuing Education students and piloting Bikeshare stations and low-cost car repair partnerships by 2026.
- Basic Needs Website & Helpline
- A centralized website and new support helpline will go live by summer 2026, with a one-stop student intake form launching in spring 2026.
- Faculty & Staff Training
- Collegewide basic needs training will begin in fall 2025 to increase awareness and referrals across all campuses.
- Basic Needs Assessment & Staffing
- ACC will launch a new assessment survey in fall 2025 at pilot campuses and hire additional staff to connect students to services proactively.
- Technology Integration
- By 2026, ACC will integrate support referrals into Inspire, convert IDs for service tracking, and use data to predict and meet student needs.
The Basic Needs committee consists of 16 faculty and staff members across the district, plus two students in the Student Government Association and two parenting students.
The committee’s work was expedited in response to growing demand for basic needs assistance among students. According to an ACC survey, 75% of students reported they experience financial difficulties while in school, and only 38% said they seek out ACC resources or employees for assistance.
Over the past several months, the group conducted a districtwide listening tour, collaborated with faculty, staff, and students, and worked with external partners to develop sustainable solutions.
Further updates on the rollout will be provided as the College moves forward with these initiatives. For more information on the design teams and Theory of Change, visit austincc.edu/toc.