Daily Lumina News 010820

Last year, Arizona had almost 600,000 individuals with some higher education but no degree to show for it—and the state is not alone.
Experts say the number reflects a national challenge for colleges when dealing with today's learners: They do a great job nurturing those fresh out of high school, but are not nearly as adept at supporting students who do not fit that bill.

Some of the biggest barriers to academic success have nothing to do with academics. Rather, they usually entail basic human needs. After all, it’s hard to do well in school when you’re hungry or lack a place to sleep.
As it turns out, postsecondary institutions have emergency funds to offer temporary relief for students struggling with food, housing, transportation, and other needs. But few know about this safety net and, if they do, applying for and receiving the money can be a tedious and lengthy process.
That's where David Helene of Edquity comes in.

Amarillo College President Russell Lowery-Hart refers to his school's typical student as “Maria." She’s female, first-generation, attends classes part time, and works two jobs. While she may have little in common with students who attended Amarillo College two decades ago, she is smart and determined and committed to bettering her future through higher education.
In this podcast, Lowery-Hart explains how getting to know Maria—and understanding what it takes to propel her to success—has transformed his institution.

Daisy Garcia’s small Van Nuys apartment doesn’t offer much space for her baby daughter to explore. So the 27-year-old college student brings her to a children’s play area at Los Angeles Valley College.
The area is one of the services offered at the school's Family Resource Center. The program, which also provides a food pantry and a steady supply of diapers, wipes, and infant formula, offers student-parents a place where they can attend to the needs of their children as well as their own.