Basic Needs

• The Student Parent Center is located within the Student Resource Center. This is a space for currently enrolled students and their children; this is not a drop-off center and students must be with their children at all times. Please click the link to learn more about the center and hours of operation.
• Child Care Access Means Parents In School (CCAMPIS) Grant is a childcare grant that helps currently enrolled students pay for childcare. Please click the link to learn more and see if you qualify. Contact ccampis@minneapolis.edu for any questions.
• HelpMeGrow Minnesota provides resources for families to understand developmental milestones and learn if there are concerns.
• HelpMeConnect Navigator is a navigator connecting expectant families, families with young children (birth – 8 years old) and those working with families to services in their local communities that support healthy child development and family well-being.
• HelpMeConnect Family Well-being and Mental Health webpage and parenting support programs highlight services and resources that support family health, mental health and safety.
• HelpMeConnect parenting support programs offer resources, information and connections with other parents.
• Minnesota Follow Along Program through the Minnesota Department of Health helps parents and caregivers track their children's development and let them know if their children are playing, talking, growing, moving and behaving like other children the same age.
• Early Childhood Family Education is a parenting program offered through Minnesota public school districts and community organizations for families with children between the ages of birth to kindergarten entrance.
• HealthyChildren.org by the American Academy of Pediatrics provides child and youth development resources for caregivers.
• Childwelfare.gov – Understanding Children’s Developmental Stages offers resources on child development.
• Minnesota’s Parent Support Outreach Program is a voluntary support service that helps pregnant and parenting families thrive.
• DHS’ mental health webpage provides links to mental health resources, crisis lines and more.

Minneapolis College Random Acts of Kindness grants are now accessible to enrolled students. This program is designed to help students experiencing unexpected financial challenges.

You can apply for a Random Acts of Kindness grant through a simple electronic application process. Whether you're experiencing food insecurity, housing instability, transportation issues, or unexpected expenses, this grant program may be able assist you.

Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Grant

The Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Fund helps students meet basic needs such as one-time emergency expenses, transportation costs, food, the cost of taking certification exams after graduation and many other things.

• The Random Acts of Kindness Grant application is available here. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact resources@minneapolis.edu.

Please note: Due to limited funding, we are working with the Financial Aid Office to check overages. Students who receive large overages will be denied for RAK.

The Nursing Program Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) is a program of random acts of kindness to assist currently-enrolled nursing students who are undergoing extreme financial difficulties so that they can continue their education at Minneapolis College.

• The Nursing Program Random Acts of Kindness Grant application is closed. All funds have been depleted.

Please note: Due to limited funding, we are working with the Financial Aid Office to check overages. Students who receive large overages will be denied for the Nursing Program RAK.

Please reach out to resources@minneapolis.edu for any questions or concerns.

• Groveland Emergency Food Shelf
• Community Bridge
• Minnesota Food Helpline
• County Programs for Food Support
• Statewide Food Shelves
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• AmeriCorps Housing Navigator, located within the Student Resource Center - Gaynell Edaferierhi 
• Ways to Pay for Rent and Housing

If you are within 14 days of Houselessness:

• Hennepin County Coordinated Entry
• Ramsey County Coordinated Entry
• Affordable Housing Resource Guides
• Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP)

Individuals seeking shelter should contact the County office in their county of residence. In Hennepin County, single adults would contact Adult Shelter Connect at 612.248.2350. Families seeking shelter should contact Hennepin County at 612.348.9410. After hours, please call United Way 211 (mobile: 651.291.0211).

If you are a Hennepin County resident, call COPE (Community Outreach for Psychiatric Emergencies) at 612-596-1223. The COPE team is available 24/7.

For LGBTQIA+ crisis and suicide prevention support, call Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860 and/or The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 (24/7/365 available, text options available at TrevorText: Text START to 678-678 stand messaging rates apply).

• Connect with a Personal Wellness Counselor in the Student Resource Center. Click the link to learn how to make an appointment with Counselors, Melissa Schultz or Merlita Lockman.
• Crisis Text Line offers free help to those who are having a mental health crisis or are contemplating suicide.  Just text MN to 741741.  Services are available 24/7 across Minnesota.
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Line (toll free) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
• Ramsey County Crisis Mental Health Support

Minneapolis College has received the Student Parent Support Initiative Grant from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education for student parent retention and overall completion rates. Currently enrolled students who are parents or pregnant may apply for the grant by providing details, and demonstrating their need for funds. Grant award amount will depend upon how many credits you are currently taking.

• Student Parent Support Initiative Grant - Spring 2025 Application

Please reach out to resources@minneapolis.edu for any questions or concerns. 

• Low Income Discount Service Offered by Providers & Discounted Computers
• How to Qualify for Lifeline Free Service & a Free Cellphone from Assurance Wireless
• PCs for People - Affordable Desktops, Laptops, and Internet Hotspots
• Get Internet | The White House - Affordable Connectivity Program

• Students are able to charge a bus pass for the semester through Financial Aid at the College Store. Please reach out to the College Store to learn about cost and next steps.
• MetroPasses for College Students
• Park & Ride Lots - Metro Transit
• Student Plans - Evie Carshare