The Student Basic Needs Center Helps Economically Struggling Students

The Education Data Initiative reports that in 2025, “the average cost of college in the United States is $38,270 per student per year, including books, supplies, and daily living expenses.” With big numbers like this looming over students’ heads, the freedom college is meant to provide can quickly turn into a prison of struggle and poverty. Thankfully, at JCCC, it doesn’t have to be that way. According to their about us page, “The mission of the Student Basic Needs Center is to provide information and resources to combat the hardships which adversely affect the ability of JCCC students to complete their academic, professional, and personal development objectives.” Whether a student is facing food insecurity, housing issues, or both, the staff in GEB 153 is ready and eager to help.

The program’s home page also houses a wealth of helpful resources, including information on reliable transportation, loanable school equipment, and the Cavalier MealSHARE Program. To stay updated about the Student Basic Needs Center, text the word “pantry” to 21000. Additionally, those who wish to help with their mission can donate money directly on their home page or purchase essential items on their Cav Cupboard Amazon Wishlist.

– McKenna Daugherty

Affordable Childcare At JCCC

The beauty of community college is that it provides a more accessible education to all walks of life. Johnson County Community College goes a step further with the Hiersteiner Child Development Center. The Hiersteiner Child Development Center provides affordable childcare for Johnson County students. According to the HCDC page, they are here to support the efforts of Johnson County students to pursue their educational goals and offer assistance for JCCC faculty and staff to achieve their work potential. Creating an inclusive environment for young parents to have an educational experience can make a world of difference for potential students.

With the JCCC Child Care Access Fund Scholarship, you can also get your childcare costs covered up to 95%

– Laney Strahan

JCCC’s Student Senate Represents Students Concerns

Did you know that you have elected officials right here on campus? The Student Senate, made up of executive officers and senators, provides government representation for the student body, allocating funds for clubs and groups. Their goals are to “directly address student concerns, improve communication [and] support projects that improve the student experience at JCCC.”

The Student Senate executive board is made up of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian. The 25 senators help represent the student body. The executive board’s sole responsibility is to oversee criteria for the organizations or groups, with each individual having jobs stated in the constitution. The senator’s job is to stay informed on opinions of the student body and important events happening in the community.

The Senate has a PDF version of the Senate’s constitution available, mapping out the framework of their operation, and including information on how groups can be formed and how they can get funding.

Requests for funding for organizations that have been active a year or longer are available, as well as a space for students to leave ideas and concerns.

– Mya Roberts

JCCC’s Police Keeps Campus Safe

Ever wonder what the on-campus police at Johnson County Community College provides for students and faculty? You might suspect they are being trained, as it is a campus with a police training program, but this is not the case. They are fully trained cops with their own jurisdiction. Often moving about, they keep a watchful eye, remaining vigilant for potential dangers. The College website has a section that details their mission, the services they provide, and who they are, which you can find here. Highlights include security escorts when you feel unsafe walking to certain areas of campus, event security and a lost and found area.

There are also pamphlets and bulletin posts around the college detailing some of what they offer and provide and around the campus. If you still have questions, in my personal experience, the JCCC police have been very approachable if you’d like to ask them for help or have general questions. Their services can also be requested over the phone at (913) 469-8500.

-Steven Cunningham