LANCASTER, PA — As Pennsylvania students return to campuses for the fall semester, state officials are reminding young adults to safeguard their personal belongings and take advantage of support services designed to help them succeed.
On Thursday, August 28, leaders from the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID), the Department of Education (PDE), and the Department of Human Services (DHS) gathered at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology to emphasize the importance of renters’ insurance and student support programs.
Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys noted that many students underestimate the financial risks they face. “Heading back to school is an exciting time, but many students are unaware of the financial risks of fire, theft, or other unexpected losses that occur in dorms, apartments, or even while commuting,” Humphreys said. He urged students to consider renters’ insurance, which typically costs $15 to $20 per month, and protects personal property such as laptops, phones, furniture, and clothing.
Students living in campus housing may already be covered under their parents’ homeowners’ policy, but Humphreys advised families to confirm coverage with their insurance agent. Those renting off-campus should consider a separate policy. Beyond replacing belongings, renters’ insurance can provide liability protection and cover temporary housing if a rental unit becomes uninhabitable.
The Shapiro administration also highlighted PA EmpowerU, a cross-agency initiative designed to connect students with mental health support, housing assistance, transportation, digital access, and other resources needed to thrive in higher education. The program, formerly known as PA MASLOW, consolidates services into a single online hub.
“When you choose to pursue higher education in Pennsylvania, those of us here at PDE and throughout the Shapiro Administration are here to support you,” said Dr. Lynette Kuhn, PDE’s Deputy Secretary and Commissioner for Postsecondary and Higher Education. “Through the PA EmpowerU initiative, we’ve brought programs together in one place to make accessing those resources easier than ever.”
Food insecurity was another key focus of the event. According to a Temple University report, 39 percent of students in two-year programs and 26 percent in four-year programs experience food insecurity. DHS officials encouraged students to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which can provide monthly benefits to purchase groceries.
“Students should not have to choose between paying for their tuition and paying for groceries,” said Hoa Pham, DHS Deputy Secretary for the Office of Income Maintenance. “Programs like SNAP provide extra support so that students can both pay for their education and stay nourished.”
To expand eligibility, Pennsylvania colleges can certify certain employment programs, allowing more students to qualify for SNAP benefits. Officials stressed that resource centers on campuses, such as the one at Thaddeus Stevens, play a crucial role in connecting students with this type of assistance.
The state will host a PA EmpowerU webinar on October 21 to help colleges learn how to expand supportive resources for students.
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