American International College (AIC) has expanded its student support services through the LIFT Center (Linking Individuals to Fundamental Tools). This new resource hub connects students with essential resources and assistance to help them overcome non-academic barriers that can affect their ability to stay enrolled, persist in their studies, and earn a degree.
Supported by $85,000 in grant funding, the initiative includes a $34,000 award from The Beveridge Family Foundation and a $51,000 grant from an anonymous foundation dedicated to advancing student success.
Located in the James J. Shea Sr. Memorial Library, the LIFT Center serves as a central point of access for students seeking assistance with essential needs, including food insecurity, housing instability, transportation, childcare, public benefits, and financial challenges. retention, and success.
“At AIC, we understand that our students carry more than textbooks—many are balancing work, family, and financial hardship while pursuing their degrees,” said Kevin Lopez Giraldo, M.Ed., assistant director of student success advising and initiatives. “The LIFT Center reflects our commitment to supporting the whole student and ensuring that life’s challenges do not stand in the way of educational success.”
Supporting Student Success Beyond the Classroom
Research continues to show that students are more likely to succeed academically when their basic needs are met. The LIFT Center was created to help address challenges that can interfere with educational attainment by connecting students with resources, services, and referrals in a confidential and welcoming environment.
Services available through the center include:
- Food pantry access and meal vouchers
- Emergency financial assistance
- Housing and shelter referrals
- Public benefits enrollment support
- Childcare resources and referrals
- Legal aid referrals
- Financial counseling and budgeting assistance
- Transportation support and resources
Connecting Students to Essential Resources
The LIFT Center is designed to help students navigate challenges that may otherwise impact their ability to remain focused on their academic goals. They can access services directly through the center or be referred by faculty, advisors, and campus partners.
“This innovative program provides students with the support they need to continue—and complete—their studies,” said Ward Caswell, president of The Beveridge Family Foundation. “It reflects AIC’s commitment to meeting students where they are and addressing the real challenges they face in today’s complex world. With targeted, meaningful support, AIC is helping students stay on track to become tomorrow’s leaders.”
According to Lopez Giraldo, the impact of the funding extends beyond the center itself.
“The Beveridge Family Foundation’s support is transformative—not just for the LIFT Center, but for every student who walks through our doors in need of a helping hand,” he said. “This funding ensures students facing food insecurity, public benefits challenges, or housing instability do not face those challenges alone. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and excited to reshape student support at AIC.”
By connecting students to critical resources and reducing non-academic barriers, LIFT Center student support services at American International College support AIC’s mission of expanding educational opportunity and student success.