Mercer College Expands Help For Students After Coronavirus Survey

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Mercer County Community College is providing access to technology, social isolation, and particularly food insecurity after taking a poll of students to determine their needs during the outbreak of new coronavirus.

“This global health crisis has hit all of us hard, particularly our students who faced substantial challenges even before the pandemic,” Mercer County Community College President Dr. Jianping Wang said. “We felt it was our responsibility to identify areas of concern, and address needs wherever possible. We are a family, and that’s what families do — help each other in their time of need.”

The college moved to remote operations on March 13 following New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy's declaration of a public health emergency. As the social and economic consequences of the quarantine became pronounced, college staff conducted a poll of students to identify needs, concerns, and areas where assistance might be needed.

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Nearly 40 percent of students responded that they had no difficulties to report, with 65 percent saying they had adequate technology resources to continue their studies from home.

However, more than a third reported a lack of technology resources, one-fifth said they could use help to make social connections, and 60 percent expressed concern with finances, including the financial resources to obtain food.

“Food insecurity is a very real concern among many students, a concern that had to be addressed immediately for their health and well-being,” Wang said.

The college also launched a student assistance program designed to address food, technology, and other issues exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. To fund the effort, the college tapped the existing Student Activities Fund, an account normally used to underwrite student social events, such as exercise classes, informational seminars, and activity fairs.

Mercer County Community College Senior Executive Assistant Beth Knight said addressing the food issue was an immediate priority in light of the loss of employment among many students, and with limited access and dwindling supplies at local food pantries.

To date, the college has distributed more than 100 grocery store gift cards to students, which they can receive electronically or by mail.

“The survey results indicate that almost all students or a family member lost their job,” Knight said. “This leads to food insecurity, and issues with other basic human needs. You never know the path one is forced to take, or the seemingly insurmountable odds they are fighting daily.”

Mercer County Community College also entered into a partnership with TDI Connect (formerly Trenton Digital Initiative) to provide free computers to more than 50 students during the pandemic, enabling them to continue their studies via remote platforms.

TDI, part of United Way of Greater Mercer County, collects outdated computers, refurbishes them, and distributes them free of charge in underserved communities. The college is also taking requests for webcams for students with older computers.

Mercer County Community College has also helped address social isolation issues through virtual student activities, webinars, workshops, and counseling sessions.

Knight said she has received numerous notes of thanks from students receiving assistance, something that reminds her that the college is making a difference.

“There are no words to tell you how appreciative they are,” Knight said. “I thought I had heard it all in my office during years of student visits, but I guess not. This is truly a humbling experience.”

Students seeking help can contact Knight at specialcircumstances@mccc.edu.

See related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know