Basic Needs

Basic Needs & Community Resources

Addressing the basic needs crisis is a priority for Bucks County Community College. Whether it’s food insecurity or homelessness, we know many of our students do not have what they need to meet their higher education goals. Basic Needs refers to the food, stable housing, and wellness security of our students at Bucks County Community College as well as community members. We have created support programs and resources that can assist our students in meeting their basic needs and promoting their academic success.

Basic needs security has been shown to have a direct impact on the mental-emotional-physical health, wellness, academic performance, professional development, and holistic success of our students. Bucks looks to increase accessibility to food, housing, mental wellness along with financial resources.




groceries

Food Resources

Food insecurity has the potential to harm college students’ ability to achieve their educational and professional goals. Any student who faces challenges securing their food and believes this may affect their ability to succeed in their courses is urged to complete the Food Assistance Student Questionnaire. You are encouraged to speak with your professor about your academic performance or a counselor about the challenges that you are facing.   Food Insecurity Resources Bucks County Opportunity Council Bucks County Food Pantry List Bucks County Housing Group Food Program Feeding America   About Food Insecurity Food Insecurity On College Campuses – Affordable Colleges Hunger and Food Insecurity – Feeding America More than Half of College Students Facing Housing or Food Insecurity during the Pandemic – AAC&U
emergency fund

Emergency Fund

Students may apply for funds when they are experiencing a financial barrier or obstacle, and have exhausted all other resources. This is not related to COVID government stimulus funds. The Bucks Student Emergency Fund was created by donations from alumni, employees, community partners, and friends to support your success.
purchasing groceries

SNAP Resources

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Pennsylvanians buy food. People in eligible low-income households can obtain more nutritious diets with SNAP increasing their food purchasing power at grocery stores and supermarkets. Those who are eligible receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) ACCESS Card to make food purchases. Experiencing a food emergency and need food right away? Help is available. Have Questions? Call the Department of Human Services Helpline, toll-free, at 1-800-692-7462 (1-800-451-5886 for individuals with hearing impairments) or your county assistance office - or visit the Department of Human Services Website  
housing and shelter

Housing & Shelter

Housing is critical to a person's health and well-being. DHS believes that too many Pennsylvanians who have extremely low incomes are rent-burdened, too many people experience homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, and too many people who live in institutions could live in the community with assistance. The housing program will approach housing challenges in Pennsylvania by: Removing barriers unique to each person Connecting people with housing opportunities Expanding affordable housing in PA Partnering with local agencies Utilizing data to measure progress Pooling resources and sharing ideas Pennsylvania has a variety of housing programs and services that can help older adults and people with disabilities, individuals, and families with low incomes, or those who are at-risk of, or experiencing, homelessness. Want more information? Visit the PA Department of Human Services Housing Resources & 2-1-1 United Way

Mental Health & Personal Safety

Bucks County Community College is committed to the promise that we will provide all students with comprehensive and innovative support personalized to their unique needs, challenges, and preferences. As we strive to support students to achieve their goals through a culture of care, we recognize student mental health plays a vital role. Every member of our campus has many obligations, roles and relationships that may be a source of support but may also cause stress. It is important to us that resources and information are available to you, to support your mental health and wellbeing. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, there are many options for immediate support. This website provides information not only for you, but also for your friends and family. Please take a look now to familiarize yourself with these resources so you know where to go if they are needed.

Career Development, Job Listings & Unemployment

Bucks County Community College has provided a list of resources to help you find job listings and information on applying for unemployment benefits. The resources on this page are updated on a regular basis. Pennsylvania Workforce Development Pennsylvania's workforce development system enables businesses and workers to compete in the worldwide, knowledge-based economy. The workforce system enhances employer competitiveness and innovation while preparing Pennsylvanians for jobs that pay in an economy that grows, supports families and businesses and is effectively improving the quality of life for our most valuable resource - our people. To learn more about workforce development initiatives and activities, view the 2018 Workforce Development Update Report. For more information about, visit the PA Workforce Development Website Bucks Workforce Development and Services Bucks County Community College offers professional development opportunities for you to learn a new skill, update credentials, refresh your software know-how, and enable you to advance your career. We also offer customized training to meet the needs of your business. Visit Workforce Development Opportunities Business & Career Opportunities Public Safety Training & Certification Opportunities Information Technology Opportunities We are also dedicated to helping students and alumni make informed decisions in pursuit of meaningful work. Through individual career counseling and other services, we help students and alumni through the career planning and job search process. Visit Center for Student Employment & Career Development Unemployment Resources The Pennsylvania UC program is administered by the department and provides temporary wage replacement income to qualified workers. The Unemployment Compensation (UC ) program provides temporary income support if you lose your job through no fault of your own or if you are working less than your full-time hours. If you qualify, you will receive money for a limited time to help you meet expenses while you seek new employment. To be eligible for UC benefits, you must be a worker who performed services that are covered by the Pennsylvania UC Law. For more information, visit Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment Compensation or call 1-888- 313-7284
train

Transportation

SEPTA offers a vast option of transit services, including buses, trolleys, trackless trolleys, subways, and Regional Rail (our commuter rail). SEPTA Route 130 Frankford-Knights to Bucks County Community College Bucks County Transport, Inc. (BCT) is a private, non-profit organization that provides shared ride transportation services for all Bucks County residents. If residents need any assistance, please call: 215-794-5554 for general info or 1-888-795-0740 for reservations. They can also take part in these services as well: Senior Citizen Shared Ride Program Medical Assistance Transportation Program Persons with Disabilities Transportation Program Doylestown Dart Bucks County Courthouse Shuttle Ride Share Transportation Services Other Transportation Services in Bucks County Assistance and Referral Evaluation Services (PECO) Bucks County Assistance Office Bucks County Transportation Management Association (TMA) - Call Phone: 215-244-9082 Ext. 18

Child Care, After School & Youth Programs

Since 1973, the Early Learning Center, or ELC as it is known, has provided high-quality child care at Bucks County Community College at the Newtown campus. The center is licensed as a daycare center by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. The ELC also participates in the Pennsylvania Keystone Stars q Bucks County Community College's Gene and Marlene Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks is pleased to announce our new partnership with Early Childhood Educators of Pennsylvania Childcare. Other Childcare Resources Increasing evidence has emerged to show that children's learning opportunities in the years before kindergarten have an important effect on their performance in school and ultimately their ability to contribute to society as adults. Through the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Pennsylvania is helping our children, families, teachers, and communities reach their promise. Keystone STARS rates child care programs from one to four STARS on things you care about (meets state regulations for safety, offers a kid-friendly atmosphere with good teachers that partner with you to help your child learn) so you can find the program that feels right for your family.  Keystone STARS provides early childhood programs in Pennsylvania with the tools to continually improve service to children and families. Pennsylvania Early Learning Resources Center

Veteran & Military Services

Bucks County Community College is committed to helping our active duty, reserve and Veteran service members and their eligible dependents reach their educational goals. We offer a multitude of services that are available to you on day one.

Preferred Name

Bucks County Community College recognizes that some students prefer to identify themselves by a First Name other than their Legal Name. For this reason, beginning in the fall 2018 term, the College will enable students to use a Preferred First Name where possible in the course of college business and education.

Technology & Software

Office 365 is a built-in feature of Live@Edu email accounts for students.  You have access to online versions of Microsoft Office software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.  Additionally, your account has access to OneDrive with 1TB of online storage that you can sync with mobile devices and desktops.  You can also install full versions of Office software on your Mac or Windows laptop or desktop. Office 365 Tutorials: Using your Student Office 365 Account OneDrive - Collaborating Online Installing the Student Version of Office 365 on your Computer Get Office 365 and Windows 10 Free Office 365 Apps for iOS Office 365 Apps for Android Accessing OneDrive, Creating Folders, Sharing Files Visit the Helpdesk Libguides site for Students
Male College Student Meeting With Campus Counselor

Coaches on Campus

The Bucks County Opportunity Council has partnered with Bucks to help college students stay in school when challenges arise.

Other Services & Resources

  Bucks County Resource Directory Bucks Mother’s Lounge - Bucks is happy to provide lacation rooms to meet the needs of nursing mothers. Locations vary based on location. Visit the Student Services Offices at each campus for more information and access to a room.  

Tobacco and Vape-Free

With a commitment to fostering a healthy and vibrant campus environment for all, starting January 1, 2024, we're implementing a comprehensive tobacco and vape-free policy across all campuses.