10/01/2024

Supporting Enrolled Parents in Their Post-Secondary Educational Pursuits

By Madeline Smithson

Enrolled parents grapple with the complexities of class schedules, tuition, and work tasks — all while they face the added task of caring for their children and managing their households. Many carry this burden alone. More than two in five enrolled mothers are single parents (Cruse et al., 2019). Higher education institutions need to equip career services with the tools and information they desire to reduce the challenges enrolled parents encounter. Career services professionals can extend support to enrolled parents returning to school, which will allow parents to feel empowered to successfully complete their education while providing for their families (Cruse et al., 2019).

The Dual Challenge for Enrolled Parents

It is no surprise that an overwhelming financial, time, and emotional toll can deter many parents from seeking additional education. Enrolled parents face financial challenges which impede their academic success. They are less likely to earn a degree or certificate within six years compared to non-parents (Schumacher, 2013). As food, housing, and daycare costs continually rise, it is difficult for parents to be physically and emotionally present for their children. With ample support, encouragement, and funding, they can be successful students and engaged parents. Career services professionals need to provide adequate support that responds to the realities of childcare access and costs.

Childcare

According to American Progress, the average annual cost of childcare in the United States for a toddler is between $13,200 and $22,400 (Workman, 2021). One in five college students are parents who often need to think about external care for their children (Cruse et al., 2019). About 30 hours a week is spent on dependent care by 68% of married student parents or 56% of single student parents (Schumacher, 2013). To add further complication, the availability of childcare at universities can differ. Overall, about 49% of four-year colleges and 44% of two-year colleges offer on-campus childcare centers, and those numbers are declining (Dillon, 2023).

Resources Available

The resources available to enrolled parents can differ across institutions. Scholarships and financial aid are critical for parents. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, almost two-thirds (62 percent) of single-enrolled parents who apply for federal aid have an expected family contribution toward education equal to zero, which is lower than the rate reported by individuals without children (Schumacher, 2013).

Higher Education Practitioners Can Help

Career services professionals are uniquely positioned to support parents pursuing college degrees. First, cultivating a welcoming and positive environment for parents can greatly motivate them to reach post-secondary success. Even no-cost strategies, such as creating an email list for enrolled parents, produce a sense of cohesion and inclusion (Schumacher, 2013). The University of California at San Diego Network (Schumacher, 2013) employed this communication strategy. They also provided enrolled parents priority course registration, child-friendly study rooms, and family recreation facilities. Because a sense of belonging is an important component for success among college students (Strayhorn, 2022), career services professionals can create a group on campus dedicated to building relationships and resource sharing among enrolled parents. Priority enrollment and course registration for parents can increase flexibility for parents to work around their family’s scheduling demands. Furthermore, career service professionals can provide programming, services, and career assessments geared towards facilitating the career development needs of enrolled parents, particularly those experiencing an industry change or work hiatus.

Enrolled parents may struggle with creating resumes due to gaps in work or the absence of recent professional development. Career services professionals can help parents highlight relevant experience or skills from their role as caregivers or other applicable outlets, such as community involvement or volunteering. Equipping parents with knowledge regarding a functional resume format versus a chronological layout helps them decide which option works best for their individual needs (Kent State University, n.d.).

Networking events that are targeted specifically toward parents make enrolled parents feel included. Alumni networks help students find connections that can encourage them to learn more about particular fields or find internships and job opportunities (Brady-Amoon & Hammond, 2022). Peer-mentoring groups connect students with tangible role models who can provide a supportive environment and encourage career planning (Hirdes & Falco, 2021). Additionally, career services professionals can compile a list of remote or parent-friendly employers. They can also partner with companies that are hiring, making employment more accessible for students.

In addition to these relational and partnership efforts, online programming is another way to reach a larger population of students in an accessible manner. For example, Cornell implemented a Career Development Toolkit that included 29 different modules focused on topics such as career exploration, confidence-building, and post-employment success. Students would stay engaged by completing modules before and after meeting with career services professionals (Perlus & Kryst, 2023).

Beyond their traditional resources, career services professionals can support enrolled parents by providing wrap-around services. For example, an enrolled parent may need resources related to affordable housing, transportation services, and food security. It is also essential for career service professionals to actively listen to each student’s concerns to provide more individualized support. Referrals to various campus support services are also imperative for enrolled parent support. Counseling referrals can benefit students, as neglecting the foundational needs of Maslow’s hierarchy can hinder their ability to make informed career choices (Hirdes & Falco, 2021).

Overcoming Dual Challenges on the Education Journey

Parents enrolled in higher education face the dual challenge of providing and caring for their family, as well as meeting their educational requirements. Career services professionals can collaborate across higher education institutions to create environments conducive to enrolled parents and their journey through education. Simple changes like promoting a more welcoming, positive school environment for parents can make a noteworthy difference. To provide help on a larger scale, advocating for changes such as increased funding, on-campus childcare, and more affordable housing solutions greatly enhance enrolled parents’ experiences. Every step of the way, career services professionals can help enrolled parents pursue their educational and career goals and thrive.

References

Brady-Amoon, P., & Hammond, M. S. (2022, May 1). Best practices for engaging diverse college students in career development. Career Convergence. https://careerconvergence.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sd/news_article/436070/_self/CC_layout_details/false

Cruse, L. R., Holtzman, T., Gault, B., Croom, D., & Polk, P. (2019, April 11). Parents in college: By the numbers. Institute for Women's Policy Research. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED612580.pdf

Dillon, J. (2023). Impact of on-campus childcare on student parent success in a community college setting [Unpublished dissertation]. Saint John’s University.

Hirdes, C., & Falco, L. D. (2021, May 1). The intersection of mental health and career support: The roles of counselor educators. Career Convergence. https://www.careerconvergence.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sd/news_article/367718/_PARENT/CC_layout_details/false

Kent State University. (n.d.). Functional resume format. Kent State University Career Services Center. https://www.kent.edu/career/functional-resume-format

Perlus, J., & Kryst, E. (2023, December 1). Unpacking the hidden curriculum of career services: The Cornell career development toolkit. Career Convergence. https://careerconvergence.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sd/news_article/549087/_self/CC_layout_details/false

Schumacher, R. (2013, July). Prepping colleges for parents: Strategies for supporting student parent success in postsecondary education. Institute for Women's Policy Research. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED556710.pdf

Strayhorn, T. L. (2022). The impact of a sense of belonging in college. Routledge.

Workman, S. (2021, June 28). True cost of high-quality child care across the United States. Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/true-cost-high-quality-child-care-across-united-states/

Madeline Smithson is a first-year North Carolina Central University graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. Originally from Kansas City, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in biology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she became an alumna of Alpha Sigma Alpha, Theta Omicron chapter. Since recently moving to the East Coast, Madeline has enjoyed the change of scenery. In her free time, she loves going to the beach, spending time with her friends and family, and doing aerial silks. Madeline can be reached at msmithso@eagles.nccu.edu