Support for College Students with Kids: Texas Lawmakers Take Action

Being a college student can be tough. But for those who are also parents, the challenges are even greater. Balancing classes, studying, and parenting can leave little time for much else. Fortunately, lawmakers in Texas are taking steps to make college education more accessible and affordable for student parents.

A Promising Legislation

In 2019, Texas lawmakers passed legislation that aims to make higher education more accessible for student parents. Senate Bill 151, also known as the Student Parent Success Initiative, provides funding for colleges and universities to create programs and services specifically designed to support student parents.

With this legislation, colleges and universities can provide child care services, academic advising, counseling, and other resources to help student parents succeed in school. It also helps cover costs such as textbooks, transportation, and housing for those who need it. By removing some of the financial and logistical barriers to higher education, student parents can better achieve their academic and career goals.

The Impact of Supportive Programs

While the legislation is still new, it's important to note the impact of supportive programs for student parents. Colleges and universities that have already implemented such programs have seen positive results. For example, Amarillo College's "No Excuses" program aims to help low-income and first-generation students succeed in college. Through this program, student parents can access child care services, academic support, and career guidance. Since its inception, the program has helped over 5,000 students, with a graduation rate of 63% among program participants.

Another example is the University of Texas at Austin's Supporting Student-Parent Initiatives program, which provides emergency grants, academic support, and child care assistance to student parents. The program has helped over 200 student parents in its first year alone. A survey of program participants found that 91% felt more comfortable discussing their academic and family needs with faculty and staff, while 68% reported an increase in academic success.

Why This Matters

Supporting college students who are also parents is important for several reasons:

1. Higher education leads to higher earnings and greater economic mobility, not just for the individual but for their family as well. By helping student parents achieve their academic and career goals, we can create a more financially stable future for their families.
2. Student parents face unique challenges that can make it difficult to succeed in college. By providing support and resources, we can level the playing field and increase access to higher education.
3. Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. By investing in the education of student parents, we can help reduce poverty and improve the overall well-being of our communities.

Supporting Student Parents: What You Can Do

If you're a student parent, there are several things you can do to take advantage of the support available to you:

• Research the resources available on your campus, such as child care services and academic support programs.
• Talk to your professors and academic advisors about your family responsibilities. They may be able to offer accommodations or support.
• Seek out peer support groups for student parents. Connecting with others who understand the challenges can be a great source of encouragement and advice.

And if you're not a student parent but want to support those who are, consider advocating for similar legislation in your state or community. By working together, we can create a more equitable and supportive higher education system for all.

References

• SB 151 – Student Parent Success Initiative – Trellis Company
• Amarillo College program helps student parents to achieve success – Amarillo Globe-News
• Supporting Student-Parent Initiatives – University of Texas at Austin

Hashtags

• #StudentParentSuccessInitiative
• #SupportForStudentParents
• #HigherEducationForAll

SEO Keywords

• Student parents
• Higher education
• Supportive programs
• Legislation
• Texas

Category

Education