SHEEO Basic Needs Data Academy
Basic Needs Data Convening
Join the Embark Georgia Center on February 11 for the Basic Needs Data Convening, tentatively scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The convening will bring together partners from across Georgia to explore what we are learning about college students’ basic needs and how those insights can inform future action. Participants will review findings from a survey of students at four University System of Georgia and two Technical College System of Georgia institutions and discuss opportunities to strengthen data collection, communication, policy, programs, and cross-sector collaboration.
The convening is part of Georgia’s participation in SHEEO’s Basic Needs Data Academy, a three-year initiative focused on improving how states collect and use information about students’ needs, including food, housing, transportation, childcare, and healthcare.
Everyone is welcome to attend, and attendance at the Embark Georgia Leadership Conference is not required. Registration for the convening is available through the conference registration page.
Basic Needs Data Academy
Georgia is one of seven states participating in the SHEEO Basic Needs Data Academy. The Basic Needs Data Academy supports state teams as they develop or leverage their existing capacity to define, align, collect, and use basic needs data to improve policy and decision-making, engage stakeholders, inform programming and services, and support students. The academy will continue through the calendar year 2027.
What is SHEEO? The State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) partners with states to shape public policy for higher education. Through collaboration with its members, the organization promotes policies and academic practices that help students pursue education beyond high school and succeed in today’s economy.
What are Basic Needs? For the sake of this project, we use the following definition of basic needs: “Basic needs in higher education encompass the essential resources and conditions that students require to maintain their health, wellbeing, and academic persistence. These needs are foundational to ensure that all students can fully engage in their educational journey and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.”
Basic needs refer to secure and dependable access to key resources such as:
● Nutritious and sufficient food
● Safe, stable, and affordable housing, including homelessness prevention and emergency shelter
● Physical, mental, and behavioral health care
● Affordable transportation
● Technology and essential academic materials
● Personal hygiene and living essentials
● Childcare and parenting support (caregiving)
● Financial stability, including access to emergency aid and public benefits
● Legal services and support for navigating public systems. This ecosystem should be easy to
navigate, coordinated across departments, and inclusive of both on-campus and community-based resources.
What is the Basic Needs Data Academy? SHEEO launched the Basic Needs Data Academy to help states improve how they collect and use information on students’ basic needs, such as housing, food, childcare, and more, within postsecondary data systems. This three-year initiative, supported by the ECMC Foundation, includes seven participating states, including Georgia.
The Academy provides guidance and resources for states to:
- Define and standardize basic needs data across agencies and institutions.
- Integrate this information into existing student data systems.
- Use data to inform programs and services that support student success.
By strengthening data practices, the Academy helps states make informed decisions that enhance student experiences and outcomes.
Georgia Basic Needs Data Academy Team:
Core team for participating in Academy events:
- Dr. Angela Bell, Vice Chancellor, Research and Policy Analysis, University System of Georgia
- Jason Bedgood, Embark Georgia Center, Program Coordinator IV, University of Georgia
- Dr. David Meyers, Embark Georgia Center Director, Senior Public Service Faculty, University of Georgia
- Laura Beggs, Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Quality & Partnerships, Office of Family Independence.
- Joe Dan Banker, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, University System of Georgia
- Lauren Padgett, Executive Director, CARE Services & Health Promotion and Wellness, Kennesaw State University
- Dr. Lori Tiller, Director, M.A. in Nonprofit Management and Leadership (MA NML) Lecturer, University of Georgia
- Kim Ellis, Manager, Student Experience, Technical Education Offices, Technical College System of Georgia
For more information, email dmeyers@uga.edu.
What is Georgia doing?
The Georgia team is developing a pilot survey to be implemented at six higher education institutions in the state and distributed in the Fall of 2026. These institutions represent the broad mix of higher education options across the state. Participating institutions: Albany State University, Dalton State University, Georgia State University, Georgia Southern University, South Georgia Technical College, and North Georgia Technical College.
Helpful links: