When Najee Rodriguez came to Penn State in 2019, he found himself navigating much more than the typical college-transition challenges related to academics, career pathways and a sense of belonging. 

A first-generation student who was experiencing financial and food insecurity, Rodriguez had to secure basic needs in addition to scheduling courses and exploring extracurricular opportunities. He independently navigated the systems to apply for food stamps and Medicaid, while simultaneously attending classes, completing assignments and working part time. 

For many facing similar circumstances, taking care of themselves would be top priority. But for Rodriguez, helping fellow students who are experiencing similar challenges to thrive has become a passion and mission. 

“I have lived these experiences and hardships myself,” Rodriguez said. “I know what it’s like to not have health care. I know what it’s like to not know if you’ll be able to eat every day. I have experienced those things, and I want to do everything I can to help someone else prevent that hardship or know where they can turn to for support so they don’t have to face the same thing alone.” 

That drive led to Rodriguez getting involved in several organizations and initiatives at Penn State. He joined the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) as one of two freshman representatives in his first semester, later creating the association’s first DEIB-based committee and serving as UPUA’s vice president and president. As vice president, Rodriguez contributed to the establishment of a student advisory board on student poverty in collaboration with Student Affairs. He and fellow UPUA members wrote dozens of pages of recommendations, which ultimately resulted in the creation of a registered student organization — Students United Against Poverty — in partnership with Student Care and Advocacy in 2022.  

The organization’s mission is to raise awareness of student needs, the impacts of poverty, and the resources available through Student Care and Advocacy. One of the organization’s first projects was the establishment of a student-run, basic needs hub, which is located in Boucke Building and connects students with items such as warm clothing and toiletries. 

“That was one of the best and most important projects that we ever developed,” Rodriguez said. "I am proud of the work we did to advocate for this new office that will hopefully make an impact for years to come for students that need it the most and provide upward mobility, like it did for me.” 

From there, Rodriguez spearheaded the writing of an application for a $60,000 Hunger Free Campus grant, in collaboration with Student Care and Advocacy and the Lion’s Pantry. The grant, which the University received in 2023 and 2024, advances efforts to respond to food insecurity on campus. 

Rodriguez’ partnerships with Student Care and Advocacy also gave him direct insight into results collected through annual food and housing needs surveys conducted by the University. 

“Hearing people’s stories and their shared experiences of things like homelessness and not having a place to stay, or not being able to access basic medical treatment like a dental checkup that many take for granted, really moved me,” Rodriguez said. “Collectively reading these experiences all at once really shed light on the severity of the issue for me. People go to college to better their lives and the lives of their families, but statistically they drop out if they don’t have access to basic needs. It’s heart-wrenching. That’s what spurred me to continue taking action.” 

Ensuring basic needs access for students — including himself 

As Rodriguez continued to advocate for his fellow students’ access to basic needs, he found himself in need too. Experiencing mental health challenges, Rodriguez was able to access health care and medical treatment through Student Care and Advocacy — which ultimately led to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. 

“That was obviously a transformational experience in my life,” Rodriguez said. “The people who were there for me got me through the worst period of my life while also putting emphasis on why it’s important for students to have access to health care and preventative care. I wouldn’t be in a good place now if it wasn’t for the support that Penn State provided.” 

He continued, “They also helped me understand that it’s OK to not be OK, and that I can face my challenges and still achieve success. A huge role in student success is the staff and support who are here for you to finish and achieve your dreams through the University.” 

Rodriguez took some time to put himself first — including stepping down from his role as UPUA president — and address his mental health. But soon, he was back to his passion: helping to better students’ lives as they pursue their education. He was named the 2023-24 chair of the University Park Fee Board, which oversees how student fees are spent at the campus and allocates fee funding to activities or resources that will have the greatest impact on student life. After starting in the role, he discovered that the board was operating under a revenue deficit. Rodriguez quickly worked with fellow students on the board to establish financial controls and strong governance practices to increase accountability and fiscal oversight. 

“We initiated a strategic planning process to create a budget model to help with our revenue deficit, and we are now able to figure out through forecasting and budgeting, and by having a framework, to ensure that the monies that we are entrusted with are used to better students’ lives at Penn State for decades to come,” Rodriguez said. “The impact is gargantuan.” 

Rodriguez has not only made an impact for fellow students at Penn State; he’s put himself on the path to achieve his own dreams as well. A Schreyer Scholar, he is set to graduate at the end of this semester with dual bachelor’s degrees in history and international politics and a master’s degree in international affairs through the University’s integrated undergraduate-graduate program. Through the program, Rodriguez created his own concentration studying radicalization and violent extremism, which coincides with his future career goal of working in the federal government. His recent honors thesis investigates the U.S. government’s approach to counterterrorism in the Reconstruction era that followed the country’s Civil War from 1865 to 1872. 

“It’s so unique how Penn State allows you to craft your own education in a way that gives you the quality education you need, but also the choice to align with your future career,” Rodriguez said. 

Making a broader impact 

After graduation, Rodriguez will fulfill his lifelong dream of working with the federal government through a full-time position with the U.S. Department of State — the continuation of his participation in the department’s Colin Powell Leadership Program internship this spring, made possible through the University’s Federal Cyber Corps Scholarship for Service program. 

“I am really excited to finally give back and serve the United States, which is what I’ve always wanted to do,” Rodriguez said. “It gives me so much purpose to be able to have a positive impact on our country, which has supported me through college in terms of Medicaid and other resources. This is my way of giving back and helping others.” 

Rodriguez credits much of his success to his experience at Penn State. 

“Penn State is my home and it’s ultimately my family. All of my connections and the people who matter most to me are at this University,” said Rodriguez. “I’ve had a lot of life experiences here, and I think I’ll be forever tied to Penn State." 

The mark that Rodriguez has left at the University and for its students will continue long after he graduates, according to Leanne Lenz, associate director of Student Care and Advocacy and adviser of Students United Against Poverty.  

“Najee's fierce advocacy and unwavering commitment to building connections have resulted in the establishment of an affiliate student organization and a variety of support initiatives catering to the basic needs of Penn State students,” Lenz said. “Despite encountering numerous obstacles, he has tenaciously persisted, driven by the vision of creating a more equitable Penn State community. His determination is inspirational, and his efforts will impact Penn State students for many years to come.”

Editor's note: Rodriguez's story is part of a new recurring feature celebrating student success by highlighting their achievements and accomplishments; illustrating how their Penn State experience helped prepare for future success; and demonstrating the University’s mission of teaching, research and outreach in action.