Basic Needs Program launches for Purdue students

Student Success Programs has announced the launch of Purdue’s Basic Needs Program in place of what was Span Plan Nontraditional Student Services.

The Purdue Basic Needs Program improves student success by providing support to students who have unmet basic needs that can be addressed in the community. The program does this by coordinating with campus and community partners, identifying community resources available to students, communicating with students about and connecting them to resources for which they may be eligible, and directly serving students in response to referral and outreach. 

This program helps students access essential resources in the community, including: 

• Food and housing assistance 
• Transportation support 
• Physical, mental and behavioral health services 
• Child care resources 
• Technology access 

While the Basic Needs Program does not provide direct financial aid, it connects students with off-campus support services. The Basic Needs Program serves all students enrolled at West Lafayette, Indianapolis and Purdue Online.

Although Span Plan programming has ended, legacy scholarships for eligible nontraditional students (academic and child care) remain available and are managed by the Basic Needs Program.

To refer students or to explore available resources, visit the Basic Needs Program website or email basicneeds@purdue.edu.