Officials are reminding Pa. students to safeguard belongings with renters’ insurance and use programs like SNAP and EmpowerU for academic and personal support.
LANCASTER, Pa. — As Pennsylvania college students return to campuses this fall, state officials are urging them to protect their belongings with renters’ insurance and to take advantage of programs designed to support their success.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID), Department of Education (PDE) and Department of Human Services (DHS) hosted an event Thursday at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster to highlight renters’ insurance options and resources including the EmpowerU initiative and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“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,” PID Commissioner Michael Humphreys said.
Humphreys added that renters’ insurance offers affordable protection for laptops, textbooks, furniture and other belongings. State officials said students living in campus housing may be covered under their parents’ homeowner’s insurance, but those renting off campus should consider their own policy.
Renters’ insurance typically costs $15 to $20 a month and can often be bundled with auto insurance. Policies may cover personal property, liability protection, temporary housing in case of damage and even belongings in a commuter’s car.
Beyond insurance, the Education Department highlighted EmpowerU, a cross-agency effort to connect college students with resources such as food, housing, transportation, mental health services and financial aid.
A statewide webinar for higher education institutions interested in the program will be held Oct. 21.
“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,” PDE Deputy Secretary Lynette Kuhn said.
The Human Services Department emphasized food assistance through SNAP, which has expanded eligibility in recent years to include more students. A Temple University study found 39% of students in two-year colleges and 26% in four-year programs experience food insecurity.
“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. She encouraged students to apply for nutrition benefits if they need support.
Thaddeus Stevens College President Pedro A. Rivera II said the Lancaster college works to provide both academic and personal support for its 1,400 students.
“College is about more than academics. It’s about learning how to care for yourself and advocate for your future,” Rivera said.
The college offers 24 associate degree programs, multiple certificate and training opportunities and a range of student services including food and clothing pantries, mental health support and financial aid.
Based in New York, Stephen Freeman is a Senior Editor at Trending Insurance News. Previously he has worked for Forbes and The Huffington Post. Steven is a graduate of Risk Management at the University of New York.