Using Student Voices to Improve Supports for Parenting Students
Parenting students pursue education to improve their children’s futures but face barriers to graduation; they share what support ultimately helped them succeed in the classroom.
Presented by:
Stephanie Saulnier, Eastern Kentucky University
From the author, in their own words...
Stephanie Saulnier, Eastern Kentucky University
Transcript:
This study examined the experiences of 29 parenting students enrolled at two- and four-year institutions across Kentucky, with the goal of identifying policies and practices that can improve degree attainment for student parents.
Three key findings emerged. First, flexibility is essential. Students consistently highlighted the importance of online and hybrid courses, clear communication, and faculty who are willing to accommodate childcare disruptions, illness, and family emergencies.
Second, financial supports make college possible. Participants depended on resources such as Pell Grants, SNAP benefits, childcare subsidies, housing assistance, and welfare-to-work programs to remain enrolled and reduce financial stress.
Third, childcare remains the greatest barrier to success. Every participant discussed the challenge of balancing parenting and academics. Reliable, affordable childcare, especially during evenings and unexpected closures, was critical yet often difficult to access.
Students also emphasized the value of parent-centered communities that provide both practical and emotional support, while noting that many campuses do not fully recognize the unique challenges faced by student parents.
Abstract:
Parenting students seek education to provide a better life for their children. But they often encounter barriers that limit their ability to graduate. Almost 20% of college students are parents. They are more likely to be first-generation students and are often single parents. States and higher education institutions are developing programs and strategies to support parenting students with childcare, dedicated support staff and coordination with social welfare offices but this doesn’t always translate into success in the classroom. Drawing from interviews with college students from across one southeastern state, recommendations and considerations for faculty members with parenting students were developed.
Key Words:
Parenting Students; Student Success; Empathy
Outcomes:
1. Identify barriers parenting students face in higher education and explain how these challenges impact persistence and graduation.
2. Apply inclusive teaching strategies that support parenting students’ academic success, engagement, and sense of belonging in the classroom.
3. Evaluate campus and community resources and integrate supports that improve learning outcomes for parenting students.
References:
Anderson, T., Dundar, A., Gittens, S., Ryberg, R., Schreiber, R., Taylor, L., Warren, J., & Westaby, K. (2024). Who are undergraduates with dependent children? An updated overview of student-parent characteristics using 2020 data. Student-Parent Action through Research and Knowledge (SPARK) Collaborative. https://studentparentaction.org/assets/r-file/Who-Are-Undergraduates-with-Dependent-Children.pdf
Fletcher, C., Cornett, A., Plumb, M.H., and Ashton, B. (2025). Student Financial Wellness Survey report: Fall 2024. Trellis Strategies. https://www.trellisstrategies.org/research-studies/student-financial-wellness-survey-fall-2024-results/
Hoiland, S. J., Lee, J., & Valdés-Portela, N.M.H. (2024). Creating HOPE: A Holistic Model to Increase Belonging among Parenting Students. Teachers College Record, 126(6–7), 24–45. https://doi-org.libproxy.eku.edu/10.1177/01614681241285740
Ryan, G., Pieper, F., Adam, E., Askelson, N., Greene, M., & Buckert, A. (2023). Using needs assessment surveys to understand priorities for pregnant and parenting community college students: Comparing US and foreign-born parents. Journal of American College Health, 71(6), 1784–1789. https://doi-org.libproxy.eku.edu/10.1080/07448481.2021.1947829