City College of San Francisco Partners with Uwill to Expand Student Support Services

Expanding Student Support at CCSF Through a Partnership with Uwill

City College of San Francisco (CCSF) is taking a significant step forward to enhance the support for its students facing basic needs challenges by partnering with Uwill, a premier mental health and wellness platform tailored for the collegiate environment. This collaboration aims to provide vital assistance to students struggling with food insecurity, housing instability, and other basic needs essential for their success.

Dr. Tessa Brown, Associate Dean of Equity and Director of SparkPoint CCSF Basic Needs Center, expressed her optimism about the partnership, emphasizing that it serves as a critical resource for both credit and noncredit students in the San Francisco area. The Basic Needs Center, now augmented by Uwill’s resources, aims to eliminate obstacles that may hinder students from accessing the support they require, thereby allowing them to focus on their education. Dr. Brown stated, "Meeting students’ foundational needs enables us to create opportunities for real success."

As per a Real College California survey, a staggering two-thirds of community college students in California encounter some form of basic needs insecurity. The report highlighted alarming figures: 58% suffer from housing insecurity, 46% face food insecurity, and 20% experienced homelessness. Given these pressing issues, the partnership between CCSF and Uwill emerges as a timely initiative to provide students with comprehensive support.

CCSF currently accommodates over 42,000 students who will benefit from this newfound collaboration. The Basic Needs Center is dedicated to connecting students with essential resources and support, whether they seek assistance in-person, via phone, or through virtual consultations. This comprehensive approach aims to create a streamlined pathway for students to obtain the help they need.

Michael London, founder and CEO of Uwill, highlighted the necessity of basic needs support in helping students navigate financial hurdles. "Access to food and housing is critical to preventing students from having to make the impossible choice between their education and overall well-being," he noted. This commitment to holistic student care resonates deeply with CCSF’s mission of prioritizing student support.

Uwill utilizes innovative technology to facilitate the first student and therapist matching platform, ensuring prompt access to licensed counselors based on individual student preferences. This robust support system includes teletherapy options, 24/7 crisis connections, and wellness programming, fostering an environment where students can thrive, not just survive.

Uwill's impressive track record includes service to over four million students across 500+ institutions globally, including prestigious colleges such as Dartmouth and the University of San Francisco. Recognized as a leading mental health solution, Uwill was ranked as the 79th fastest growing private company in the United States in 2025, marking its second consecutive year in the top 100, as affirmed by Inc.

In summary, the partnership between City College of San Francisco and Uwill presents a powerful solution to the fundamental challenges faced by many students today. By prioritizing basic needs support, CCSF is setting a precedent for educational institutions nationwide, aiming to ensure that every student has the opportunity and resources necessary to succeed on their academic journey.