Hunger and homelessness have become a growing crisis for student parents who must now navigate higher education in the coronavirus era. They need help—and a lot of it.

Some schools are stepping up. At LaGuardia Community College, the school’s foundation has raised $150,000 for emergency student funding, including food, rent, and hot spots for those without internet. 

The school also maintains its food pantry once a week, and staff members keep student parents aware of emergency grants and other ways of getting help.

Students, staff, and faculty at tribal colleges have a lot on their minds as they deal with the upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Internet access is limited while the need to get online for courses is burgeoning. Student parents are helping their children with schoolwork while balancing their own courses. Many students have lost jobs as tribes have had to lay off employees.

Despite these challenges, tribal colleges are working hard to preserve a sense of normality for students and provide them with the support and resources they need to move forward.