Parenting students face higher rates of financial and basic needs insecurity compared to their non-parenting peers, jeopardizing their academic success and overall well-being. One recent effort to address these challenges is the Parenting Students Project (PSP), a pilot initiative by Austin Community College District (ACC) and United Way for Greater Austin. PSP participants receive a $500 monthly stipend, attend monthly peer meetings to learn about topics such as mental health, and access academic support and further resource connections through ACC’s Student Advocacy Center.
This blog post highlights key findings from Trellis Strategies’ mixed-methods evaluation of the PSP, which found that this program and other support systems offered by ACC had a significant positive impact on student outcomes. For more details and insights into PSP resources, read the full report here.
Retention
Students who participated in the PSP were much more likely to continue classes at ACC compared to other parenting students. As of Spring 2024, 88 percent of students who had ever participated in the PSP had either graduated or were still enrolled at ACC, compared to just 54 percent of non-PSP parenting students enrolled during the same timeframe. Moreover, PSP participation was associated with a 20-percentage-point increase in term-to-term retention, with 95 percent of PSP participants continuing in the next long semester. This positive impact was statistically significant, independent of other factors affecting retention, and persisted regardless of whether the student participated in the PSP during the following term.
Financial Stability
The $500 monthly stipend provided by the PSP allowed participating students greater financial freedom. For some, this meant the ability to buy a more reliable car, facilitating access to campus and daily errands. For others, the stipend gave them the flexibility to work fewer hours per week and dedicate more time to their studies. The financial impact of the program was also reflected in students’ use of loans: parenting students who had participated in the PSP at least one term took out an average of $4,012 per semester in student loans, compared to $5,064 per semester among those who had never participated.
“Without any financial help, I just wouldn’t have been able to go to school and not work full time… [with the PSP assistance] I was able to only work one day a week. I don’t think I would have done as well in my classes if I had been working more hours.” — PSP participant interviewed by Trellis Strategies.
Sense of Community
PSP participants attended monthly meetings to meet fellow parenting students, and some also joined informal social meetups and group chats. This community of peers gave students a sense of camaraderie and belonging, while also functioning as a resource network for basic needs closets, educational activities for children, and parenting tips. Participants reported positive impacts on their mental health, confidence, and sense of student identity.
“Just knowing that there are other student parents out there makes me feel better. Because if they’re doing it, I can continue to do this.” — PSP participant interviewed by Trellis Strategies.
In interviews with Trellis Strategies, parents in the PSP also spoke about the overall institutional support they received from ACC and the ways it bolstered their confidence as students.
As these learners looked forward to entering the workforce or transferring to a four-year institution, they were hopeful about the better lives they could provide for themselves and their children, thanks to the support from ACC and the Parenting Students Project.
May Helena Plumb is a Research Associate at Trellis Strategies, where she specializes in telling learners’ stories through qualitative research. She holds an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Linguistics from The University of Texas at Austin.
FAQ for Supporting Parenting Students in Higher Education
What challenges do parenting students face in college?
Parenting students often face higher rates of financial stress, childcare barriers, and basic needs insecurity than their non-parenting peers. These challenges can impact their ability to stay enrolled and succeed academically. Programs like the Parenting Students Project (PSP) at Austin Community College District help reduce these barriers through financial stipends, community support, and access to academic resources.
How does financial support impact higher education enrollment for student parents?
Financial assistance — such as the $500 monthly stipend offered by the PSP — can directly improve college retention and persistence rates among parenting students. It helps cover transportation, childcare, and living costs, allowing students to work fewer hours and focus more on their coursework.
What were the key findings for the Parenting Students Project?
Trellis Strategies’ evaluation found that PSP participants were significantly more likely to stay enrolled or graduate compared to non-participants. As of Spring 2024, 88% of PSP participants had graduated or were still enrolled, compared to 54% of other parenting students. The program was also linked to greater financial stability and a stronger sense of community.
How can colleges and universities better support student parents?
Institutions can improve outcomes for parenting students by offering:
- Direct financial support (stipends, scholarships, emergency grants)
- Flexible scheduling and hybrid learning options
- On-campus childcare or partnerships with local providers
- Peer mentorship programs and student-parent resource centers
Programs like ACC’s PSP demonstrate how holistic support — financial, emotional, and academic — can lead to measurable improvements in enrollment and persistence.
What role does Trellis Strategies play in supporting higher education institutions?
Trellis Strategies partners with colleges and universities to evaluate and improve programs that enhance student success, retention, and equity. Through mixed-methods research, they help institutions understand learner experiences and design evidence-based strategies that improve outcomes for groups like parenting students.