Colorado Department of Higher Education recognizes FRCC for actively supporting students’ essential needs—including food security, stable housing and mental health.
Front Range Community College (FRCC) has achieved the Comprehensive Campus for Basic Needs designation from the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), a distinction reserved for institutions that have built robust, integrated ecosystems to ensure no student is forced to choose between their education and their next meal.
This state-level recognition signals a major shift in how higher education defines student success. By meeting the highest standards for food security, mental health and housing support, FRCC is dismantling the non-academic barriers that frequently derail degree completion.
By centering equity and building a “support ecosystem,” FRCC is leading the state in ensuring that a student’s economic background does not dictate their academic destiny.
Data-Driven Support
Research shows that 79% of students who drop out of college cite basic needs or financial instability as the primary cause—a reality FRCC is actively working to eliminate. Local data also underscores the urgency of these efforts: a recent Hope Center survey at FRCC revealed that more than half of student respondents (58%) experienced food insecurity, housing insecurity or homelessness in the past year.
“Student success is inseparable from student well-being,” said FRCC President Colleen Simpson, EdD. “This designation confirms that we are not just providing an education; we are securing the foundational conditions—like food, housing and mental health—that allow our students to persist, graduate and lead in their communities.”
When students encounter challenges that impact their ability to focus on their academic journey, FRCC’s team of case managers is standing by to connect students to resources.
“Whether it’s through food support from our Wolf Pantry, mental health counseling, childcare subsidies or emergency grants, our case managers make it easy for students to find and access the support they need,” said FRCC’s Associate Vice President of PRISM, Krishna Pattisapu, PhD. “When students’ basic needs are met, they can focus on what truly matters along their journey: learning. When students are able to do that, they not only succeed in college, they graduate and thrive.”
Pillars of Support
As a Comprehensive Basic Needs Campus, FRCC is being recognized for its impactful, data-informed approach to supporting the whole student. The following key pillars of the FRCC support ecosystem reduce barriers, alleviate student stress and improve retention and completion outcomes:
- Food Security: The WOLF Pantry operates at all three FRCC campuses, providing weekly, confidential access to groceries for students and staff in partnership with local food banks.
- Mental Health: Beyond on-campus counseling, FRCC offers 24/7 virtual support through the BetterMynd platform, ensuring help is available even after hours.
- Emergency Financial Assistance: The college manages two emergency grant programs, including a high needs fund, to provide immediate relief for unexpected costs like car repairs, utility bills, medical costs or rent.
- Integrated Guidance: A dedicated team of case managers provides one-on-one navigation for students seeking housing stability, food assistance, childcare subsidies or legal aid.
Other critical FRCC student services programs that contribute to this designation include:
- Clothing closets that provide free interview and workplace attire as well as clothes for students’ everyday needs.
- A childcare assistance program that assists students who have children under the age of 11 with reduced childcare costs (through a federal Child Care Access Means Parents in School grant).
- A Career Services team that focuses on students’ immediate income needs, as well as post-graduation job placement.
- Financial Aid assistance and work study grants.
- Student wellness and fitness programs, including an on-campus fitness center.
- The new FRCC Community Dental Clinic, which is open to students and the general public.
- Public libraries offering family-friendly study spaces.
The Basic Needs designation is part of a broader Social Determinants of Student Success initiative at the state level. CDHE is helping institutions share best practices, strengthen supports and foster environments where all students can thrive.
For more information about FRCC’s student support resources, visit https://www.frontrange.edu/student-experience/support-services/index.html.
About Front Range Community College
FRCC is Colorado’s largest community college, serving more than 28,000 students each year. With courses offered at multiple locations, online and through our high school concurrent enrollment programs, at FRCC, learners can choose from more than 200 degrees and certificates in a wide variety of fields. For more information, visit frontrange.edu.
The college’s strategic plan, Forward, Together, focuses on five strategic priorities:
- Learning Without Limits
- Success for Every Learner
- Vibrant Culture
- College Excellence
- Transformational Partnerships
FRCC is proud to be part of the Colorado Community College System, advancing educational access and workforce development across the state.
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) CCCS comprises 13 colleges and more than 35 locations, serving over 124,000 students annually. Together, its colleges play a vital role in delivering workforce-aligned education, expanding economic mobility, and serving as the first and best path to opportunity for Coloradans of all backgrounds.
