Palo Alto College S.H.A.R.E. Center Receives Grant to Enhance Student Support Services

Palo Alto College's Student Health Advocacy Resource Engagement (S.H.A.R.E.) Center has received a $748,566 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to launch 'Project Necesidades' or Project Basic Needs, directly addressing students who may otherwise go without essential resources. This funding will expand the reach of the S.H.A.R.E. Center, providing critical services to students both at the main campus and satellite location, the Southside Education and Training Center (SETC).

Many students face challenges that go beyond the classroom, such as food insecurity, mental health struggles, financial stress, and limited access to transportation. The S.H.A.R.E. Center exists to fill these gaps, ensuring students have the support they need to focus on their education and well-being.

"As the Director of the Advocacy Center at Palo Alto College, I am grateful to have received this grant from the Department of Education to launch Project Necesidades. Over the next three years, this funding will enable us to enhance our existing services and expand outreach," shared Director of Student Advocacy Carmen Velasquez.

One of the primary goals of the grant is to bring the full range of S.H.A.R.E. Center services to SETC by Fall 2025. This expansion will include establishing a fully functional S.H.A.R.E. Center at SETC, offering the same critical resources provided at the main campus. Students at SETC will gain on-site access to counseling, financial assistance, and mental health support that might otherwise be out of reach. To meet the basic requirements of attendance and accessibility, no-cost internet hotspots and transportation support will be provided through Lyft vouchers and gift cards, allowing qualifying students to access campus services.

One of the primary goals of the grant is to bring the full range of S.H.A.R.E. Center services to SETC by Fall 2025. This expansion will include establishing a fully functional S.H.A.R.E. Center at SETC, offering the same critical resources provided at the main campus. Students at SETC will gain on-site access to counseling, financial assistance, and mental health support that might otherwise be out of reach. To meet the basic requirements of attendance and accessibility, no-cost internet hotspots and transportation support will be provided through Lyft vouchers and gift cards, allowing qualifying students to access campus services.

Access to mental health will be enhanced by expanding services to include:

• Student support groups
• Specialized therapy sessions
• Additional "sound bath" sessions, a beloved campus wellness initiative that offers relaxation and stress relief.
• New mental health series for staff titled "Masterclass."
• Human trafficking awareness training for students and professionals in the Helping Professions Programs(Nursing and Dental Hygiene).

To meet this growing need, the S.H.A.R.E. Center will contract a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or LPC associate and improve its facilities, including comfortable furniture for counseling sessions at the main campus and satellite locations. Grant funds will also be used to expand the "Grab and Go" lunch program to serve the veteran student population, provide additional part-time staff to support the Food Pantry at both campuses, and implement a new assistance program offering students housing kits that include essential items for setting up new living spaces.

"This grant allows us to build on and enhance the support we offer students," said Velasquez. "By addressing basic needs and ensuring accessibility across campuses, we are helping students overcome barriers and stay on track toward graduation."

With these new resources, the S.H.A.R.E. Center is poised to make an even greater impact on the Palo Alto College community, ensuring that students have the support they need to succeed academically and personally.