Fort Lewis College has been awarded the Comprehensive Basic Needs Campus Designation by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), the state's highest recognition for colleges providing integrated, data-informed support for students facing food insecurity, housing instability, and other basic needs challenges.

FLC was one of just 14 institutions, and one of only a handful of four-year universities, to receive the Comprehensive designation in CDHE's inaugural cohort.

"Meeting students' basic needs is one of the most effective ways we can improve outcomes across higher education," said JB Holston, executive director of CDHE. "These campuses are demonstrating what it looks like to take a comprehensive, data-informed approach to student success — breaking down barriers, aligning resources, and centering equity in their work. Their leadership is critical to building a stronger talent pipeline for Colorado."

At FLC, part of the college’s approach centers on the Grub Hub, a campus food pantry offering a self-service grocery-style model, daily hot meals for roughly 300 students, and produce vouchers through a seasonal farmstand. The pantry is open five days a week and operates with full confidentiality.

Beyond food access, FLC's basic needs programs include a Rapid Rehousing Program for students experiencing homelessness, a Skyhawk Emergency Grant of up to $750 for students in financial crisis, a free e-bike lending program, Medicaid enrollment assistance, on-campus childcare through the Campbell Center, and access to a professional clothing closet. SNAP application assistance, housing navigation, and legal rights workshops are also available in partnership with community organizations including Colorado Legal Services and the Community Economic Defense Project.

“This recognition reflects years of dedicated work by FLC staff who show up every day to make sure our students have what they need to succeed. Our belief has always been simple: students can't learn if they're hungry, housing insecure, or in crisis. This designation honors this commitment to being student-ready, and it reflects the resilience of the students we're privileged to serve," said Kendra Gallegos Reichle, director of Student Well-Being at FLC.

CDHE launched the Basic Needs Campus Designation to recognize institutional leadership, encourage innovation, and create a shared framework for advancing student support across Colorado's higher education system. The department will continue to expand the program and welcome future cohorts of institutions committed to this work.

In addition to FLC, institutions receiving the Comprehensive designation included Aims Community College, Arapahoe Community College, Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University Fort Collins, Community College of Aurora, Front Range Community College, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Pikes Peak State College, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, University of Colorado Denver, University of Northern Colorado, and Western Colorado University.