Student Voices: Supporting Postsecondary Students with Dependent Children

Abstract: Students with dependent children face signi?cant challenges in accessing and completing higher education. These students, often referred to as student parents, comprise a substantial proportion of the college population, with one study estimating that 22% of undergraduate students in the U.S. are parents (IWPR, 2020). However, institutional policies and support are often not tailored to their unique needs, creating barriers that hinder their success. Given these challenges, the proposed study focuses on currently and formerly enrolled students with dependent children, hereafter referred to as parenting students. Our study has two components: First, we propose conducting a Q-sort study with staff, administrators, and community-based partners who support students with dependent children. This methodology will help us identify shared and divergent perspectives on institutional support and barriers, and the ?ndings will directly inform the development of protocols for subsequent student interviews and focus groups. Second, we will conduct interviews and focus groups with current and former parenting students. This work will contribute to the academic literature and support policy efforts in Kentucky— and beyond.