Campus Tour Showcases Student Support Services

POUGHKEEPSIE — Dutchess Community College (DCC) proudly welcomed New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to campus on September 16 for a tour highlighting the College’s student support programs and how to meet the unique needs of today’s community college students.

During the visit, the lawmakers explored several of DCC’s wraparound services, many of which Assemblymember Barrett has been instrumental in advocating for and supporting at both the local and state levels.

The tour began at The Pantry, which provides students and their families with a three-day supply of nutritious food and personal care items at no cost. In the 2024–25 academic year alone, The Pantry has distributed more than 26,800 items, including nearly 6,000 pounds of fresh produce to 375 individuals and families.

At the residence hall, which currently houses more than 300 students, the lawmakers learned how the facility helps students, including some experiencing housing insecurity, remove one of the most significant barriers to higher education. At the community garden, the group saw how students and community partners collaborate to grow fresh produce that supports The Pantry and the Backpack Program, which provides weekend meals and snacks for student families. The tour ended at the Louis Greenspan Day Care Center, which offers affordable, high-quality childcare so that student parents can pursue their education with confidence and stability.

“I was pleased to welcome Speaker Carl Heastie back to my district and to show him the terrific work being done at Dutchess Community College to alleviate barriers to higher education through the DCC CARES program,” said Assemblymember Didi Barrett. “I have been proud to directly help DCC students pursue their academic and professional goals unburdened by the stress of unstable housing, food insecurity or lack of childcare and it was wonderful to speak with some of these students today. I thank the Speaker for his support and President Jordan for his partnership. Both of them have contributed to making this program so effective.”

“I was proud to see that DCC goes above and beyond to ensure that no student, especially those with families, goes without the support they need to succeed in and outside of the classroom,” said Speaker Heastie. “The prolonged commitment Assemblymember Barrett has shown to DCC reduces many of the barriers students face when it comes to some of their most essential needs, such as access to healthy foods, personal care items and safe, reliable housing.”

Through its DCC CARES program, the College provides students experiencing food, housing, transportation or financial insecurity with critical resources, including emergency grants of up to $2,000 to cover personal and academic expenses. DCC CARES also offers childcare tuition assistance, while The Pantry and Backpack Program provide much-needed nutritional support.

Together, these services ensure students have the foundation they need to focus on their studies and succeed.

Dr. Peter Grant Jordan, president of DCC, expressed his gratitude for the legislators’ visit and particularly recognized Assemblymember Barrett’s long-standing advocacy.

“We were honored to host Assemblymember Barrett and Speaker Heastie for this important conversation and campus tour,” said Jordan. “Assemblymember Barrett has been a steadfast champion of Dutchess Community College and a tireless advocate for initiatives that remove barriers to higher education. Thanks to her leadership and the support of Speaker Heastie, our students, regardless of socioeconomic status, are better able to pursue their educational goals and break the cycle of generational poverty.”