Being a college student is tough. Add parenting to the mix, and it’s a whole new level of challenge. That’s why ACC partnered with United Way and Trellis Strategies for the Parenting Students Project (PSP)—an initiative designed to remove barriers and improve outcomes for student-parents.
Nationally, 1 in 5 college students are parents who face higher risks of financial insecurity, have deeper time constraints to battle, and struggle to persist semester-to-semester. The PSP provides a model for addressing these challenges through strategic, student-centered support. While the PSP remains a pilot program for parenting students, the lessons learned on support resources can be used to benefit all ACC students.
Over the past year, ACC and its partners conducted a comprehensive study of PSP to evaluate the program’s impact, and the results highlight the progress.
Since its launch in fall 2021, PSP has supported 95 student-parents and 137 children through comprehensive services, including:
- Child care scholarships
- A $500 monthly stipend
- Case management and academic support
- Peer community activities to build connections and resilience
Here’s What’s Working
- Students Are Sticking with School: PSP students had a 20% higher retention rate—with 95% continuing into the next semester.
- Less Financial Stress: Students borrowed over $1,000 less in loans per semester and needed less emergency aid.
- Stronger Support Systems: A built-in community of fellow student-parents provided motivation, resources, and emotional support.
To access the full report, click here.