06/12/2026
We had an incredible opportunity not only to listen to our student parents, but to work alongside them.
Student parents carry a tremendous amount of responsibility. They’re pursuing a better future for themselves and their families while balancing coursework, jobs, caregiving, and countless daily demands. Too often, the weight they carry goes unseen.
Yesterday, we dug in together.
We brought student parents and leaders to the same table to have honest conversations about what support they need, what barriers stand in their way, and how we can help them succeed. We explored how institutions can better recognize and support students whose responsibilities outside the classroom often make it difficult to engage in the same ways as their peers.
This workshop was facilitated by the North Carolina Community Colleges Student Success Center, Jobs for the Future (JFF), Urban Institute, and CCCSE. Together, these organizations will synthesize the discussions, student feedback, and data gathered to create a roadmap that will help guide future practices and strategies for supporting parenting students.
Most importantly, our student parents showed up ready to lead. They were candid, thoughtful, supportive of one another, and eager to partner with us in creating meaningful change.
These students are rockstars.
Now it’s our turn to turn their insights into action.
Let’s do this - together!
