About CREW
Who We Are
The Campus Resources Education Web (CREW) works to help improve the Texas workforce by supporting students who want to earn degrees and certificates. CREW looks at the needs of McLennan Community College (MCC) students and works with community partners to create a safety net of basic needs resources.
We provide resources both on campus and online to help meet these needs. We also help the community understand the challenges students may face. This can change how students view their situations and how the community supports students who need help to finish their education.
Mission Statement:
McLennan Community College (MCC) Campus Resources Education Web (CREW) works to make sure every student who wants an education can get one without being held back by a lack of basic needs.
What we do
We help students focus on their studies by connecting them with resources for needs outside the classroom. These needs can include:
- Finding food on campus and in local neighborhoods
- Learning how to use the Waco bus system
- Finding health insurance options and places to receive health care
- Getting access to technology needed for classes
If you are an MCC student and need help with something outside the classroom, contact CREW.
We connect students with resources on campus and in the community. If you need information about food, maps, health clinics, technology, or other resources, we can provide contact information and eligibility requirements. We can also help you make calls and connect with community resources.
Food Resources
CREW provides regular access to food resources on campus in several ways.
- The Central Texas Food Bank truck visits Parking Lot R from 3–4 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Students, faculty, staff, and community members can drive through the line and receive groceries.
- Paulanne's Pantry provides groceries twice a month. It is located on the second floor of the Student Services building.
- SNAP applications: CREW can help students complete SNAP applications. Students with a $0 Expected Family Contribution may qualify for SNAP. Students who qualify for the work-study program may also qualify.
Connecting Students with Community Resources
We bring community partners to campus so students can easily learn about and access services.
- Resource fairs take place every semester. Community partners come to campus to share information about ways they can help students. Resources may include outside scholarships, health information, and affordable activities and events in the community.
Supporting Student Voices
- CREW speaks up for student needs with MCC leaders and community partners.
- Your voice matters to us. We listen to what students have to say. When students complete surveys, we read their feedback and respond to it. We use this information to help make the college experience more valuable and successful.
- Let us know what you think!
- Best of all, these resources are available at no additional cost!
Learn More
What are basic needs?
According to the Hope Center, basic needs security means having access to resources that support a person's basic health and well-being.
For students to succeed in college, they need access to:
- Nutritious and enough food
- Safe and secure housing where they can sleep, study, cook, and shower
- Health care to support their mental and physical health
- Affordable technology and transportation
- Personal hygiene supplies
- Childcare and related services
This is based on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. It shows that students need basic things such as food, shelter, and water before they can focus on higher needs. These needs can include feeling like they belong on campus and reaching their full potential through learning.
What is basic needs insecurity?
Basic needs insecurity can affect a student's well-being. It happens when students do not have access to the resources they need to meet their basic needs.
Why does basic needs security matter?
College is a time for personal growth and learning. It takes a steady investment of time and energy.
Students may have trouble staying focused on their education when they do not have enough food, safe housing, health care, transportation, or other basic needs.
Just over 4 in 10 students who begin at a community college or technical school earn a degree within six years.
Student success can often depend on having access to helpful resources.
What can I do to help?
Explore our website to learn about the resources available to students on campus and in the community.
Please send us a referral for any student who you believe would benefit from CREW's services.