Student Basic Needs Coalition

The Momentum Institute is SBNC's flagship leadership development program, designed to train the next generation of student basic needs advocates. In 2024, SBNC hosted two Momentum Institute cohorts, providing intensive training in policy advocacy, organizing strategies, and public narrative development. Over 30 student leaders from diverse campuses participated, learning how to lead peer navigator programs and drive systemic change. The program featured expert-led workshops, peer learning sessions, and simulations. The Momentum Institute continues to serve as a pipeline for future student leaders, equipping them with the skills and support needed to tackle student basic needs challenges.

In 2024, SBNC's Campus Chapters program continued to empower student leaders to address food and housing insecurity on their campuses. With active chapters at over 20 colleges and universities, students led peer-to-peer outreach, organized awareness events, and facilitated resource navigation for their classmates. SBNC provided ongoing training, materials, and strategic support, enabling chapters to launch campus-specific initiatives that addressed gaps in basic needs support. Chapter-led projects included campus food pantry expansions and SNAP enrollment drives. Through these efforts, Campus Chapters collectively connected more than 1000 students to critical resources.