Paige Swanstein

I co-founded the Student Basic Needs Coalition (SBNC) because I lived what too many students are still going through.In college, I worked multiple jobs, skipped meals, and worried constantly about how I’d afford housing. As a student researcher, I interviewed others who were struggling too—and realized that while the challenges were widespread, the support was fragmented or missing entirely.That experience led me to start SBNC: a national organization that helps students meet their basic needs so they can focus on learning and building their future.We train student leaders, support colleges in building stronger support systems, and develop tech tools to connect students to food, housing, and other resources. Already this year, our programs have unlocked $23 million in support for students.Our work has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and more—but what matters most is the impact on the ground: students staying in school, accessing healthier food, and finally being able to focus on their future.If you’re a funder, higher ed professional, or partner who wants to create real, lasting change, I’d love to connect.Reach out at paige@studentbasicneeds.com or send a message here. Let’s build a more equitable higher ed system—one where students don’t have to fight just to survive.