The research is clear: single mothers who complete a bachelor’s degree double their lifetime earnings than if they had a high school diploma. This investment in education represents one of the most powerful tools creating pathways to economic mobility. For their kids, even a small increase in parents’ income translates to higher earnings, making educational attainment an asset that can be passed from generation to generation.
One in five current college students are parents, yet they face unique challenges that often hinder their ability to graduate. More than half are students of color and they are more likely to experience high rates of housing and food insecurity than non-parenting students. Their motivation for pursuing postsecondary education is clear: a degree or credential that can unlock access to higher paying careers is one of the best assets they can secure for their families’ long-term financial well-being.
On May 8th, 2025, we held a webinar examining how investing in student parent success not only transforms their lives but generates a strong return on investment (ROI) for families, communities, and the economy. Participants learned about the catalytic potential of advancing student parent strategies, especially in polarizing political environments.
Speakers
Enyi Okebugwu, Senior Program Manager, Imaginable Futures
Becca Bice, Director, Economic Advancement, United Way for Greater Austin
Christopher J. Nellum, Executive Director, EdTrust-West
SPEAKER BIOS
Resources
- Student Parent Almanac
- Alliance Research Agenda
- Alliance Policy Agenda
- Upcoming Student Parent Summit
- Alliance Website with Resource Hub
- Evaluation of the Parenting Students Project Program
- Virginia Community Colleges Student Parent Pilot
- Kids on Campus, Learnings from the First Year
- Raising Up Film Series
Thank you to our generous sponsors:
