Basic Needs

Thrive Project-Basic Needs Grant

The Basic Needs Grant is awarded to Doña Ana Community College by the U.S. Department of Education to assist students with their basic needs. AVANZA is mindful that when a student worries about their important personal needs (food insecurity, technology access, rent, transportation) their academic goals may become less of a priority. By addressing these personal barriers and providing proper resources, it is in the hope that it may increase retention and allow students to stay enrolled. The funding for this grant is distributed in multiple avenues as outlined below. We encourage you to reach out to AVANZA to see what resources you may qualify for.

*For this specific funding you must be a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen eligible for Title IV aid. However, other funding options may be available.

If you are unsure if you qualify for this funding or have questions, please email AVANZA for direct support.

Programs

Career Closet

The Career Closet provides professional dress clothing to students for interviews, job fairs, and other events to make a positive first impression!

Eligiblity Requirements:

Step 1: Meet with an AVANZA, Career Services, or Excelencia staff member.

Step 2: Complete oone of the following:

Attend a qualifying workshop
Create a Career Coach account
Join Handshake
Other qualifying career development activity

Once you've completed the above email, Career Closet to arrange to pick up

For more information →

FirstLight Comfort Casita

Together We End Hunger!

The FirstLight Comfort Casita, DACC's in-house food pantry, provides free supplementary food assistance to DACC students, staff, and faculty. This food is intended to lessen the burden of the growing economic challenges our community faces. We hope this food will support our student retention, academic success, and overall well-being.

Main Location: Espina Campus DASH 109B

Spring 2026 Hours:

Tuesday 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Micro Casitas are available at every AVANZA office; please contact AVANZA staff to learn more.

Funding is sponsored by the US Department of Education and community donors.

Comfort Casita →

Emergency Aid Program

The Basic Needs Emergency Aid Program is to assist students who are experiencing sudden, unforeseen financial emergencies that without resolving would result in the student’s withdrawal from their courses, or inability to successfully complete their semester.

Emergency Aid is a one-time assistance, if you are needing additional assistance after utilizing this resource, please contact an Avanza Student Success Advocate so that we may help you explore alternate resources within the community.

To be considered for the Basic Needs Emergency Aid, you will need to complete and submit your application, which will then be reviewed by a committee for approval.

Eligibility Requirements:

Enrolled in current semester as a degree seeking student
Must have a minimum 2.0 Cumulative GPA
Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours
Must have a sudden onset of a financial emergency that if not resolved quickly, the student would be caused to withdrawal from their courses.
Must provide documentation of the cause of financial hardship (ex. Loss of income, income reduction, medical emergency, etc.)

To Apply: Basics Needs Thrive Project - Emergency Aid Application – Fill out form

Technology Loaner Program

The Basic Needs Grant has dedicated funding to assist students with the tools necessary to successfully complete their semester and beyond. The Basic Needs Grant has identified technology and internet access as necessary tools for students to connect with resources, complete assignments and access instructional materials.

Technology will be loaned on a per-semester basis and must be returned one week after the last day of classes. If a student withdraws at any time during the semester, the student is required to return the technology within one week of the date of withdrawal from DACC. If a student needs a loaner for continuous semesters, they must sign a new agreement for each semester.

Loaner Technology becomes available one week before the start of each semester. Technology is limited and available on a first-come come first serve basis.