States, systems, and colleges in the Great Lakes region have made important investments in basic needs, but more progress is needed. Addressing basic needs—which includes income, food, housing, health, mental health and well-being, child care, transportation, and technology—helps support college access and completion. The Urban Institute conducted interviews, completed document reviews, and developed fact sheets about policy and partnership efforts to alleviate student basic needs insecurity in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

This fact sheet identifies opportunities to strengthen basic needs supports in Illinois.