New Brief Examines Collegiate Experiences of Racially Minoritized Student Parents

The publication is one of a pair of briefs from UC Davis seeking to build broader understanding of the challenges student parents face in higher education.

Like a Juggler: The Experiences of Racially Minoritized Student Parents in a California Community College provides findings from a large mixed-method study to explore how student parents navigated community college, received information, and made decisions about future careers.

“This brief and research contributes to a broader understanding of student parents’ needs among community college leaders, faculty, and staff,” notes one of the brief’s authors, Adrian H. Huerta, an Assistant Professor of Education at USC and a Pullias Center faculty member. “It highlights opportunities to adjust policies and practices that could increase the chances of student parents succeeding academically and occupationally.”

The brief utilizes findings from a mixed-methods study conducted at a community college in Southern California.  The costs of housing, childcare, transportation, and food, which pose a significant barrier to college completion for low-income students, are further compounded when those students are also parenting.  This is further exacerbated in California where most of the population does not have access to licensed or high-quality affordable childcare options.

The research team conducted qualitative individual interviews and focus groups with 67 racially minoritized (Black, Latinx, Asian American and Pacific Islander) student parents enrolled in the college during the 2018–2019 academic year. Data from the campus suggests that almost 15% of the enrolled students are also parents.

The report offers a national and statewide background and context to the student parent experience followed by an overview of the study’s findings. The authors also provide implications for policymakers and practitioners, guidelines for taking action at the local and state-level, and a series of guiding questions to support implementation.

“It is easy to find inspiration in the efforts of student parents as they seek to persevere in the face of real hurdles,” concludes Huerta, reflecting on the findings. “Despite the struggles and daily challenges experienced in pursuit of their community college education, student parents maintain high educational aspirations and occupational goals to better themselves and their families position.”

Like a Juggler: The Experiences of Racially Minoritized Student Parents in a California Community College is published by the UC Davis Wheelhouse Center for Community College Leadership and is available for download now.