Busy with Purpose: Lessons for Education and Policy Leaders from Returning Student Parents

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Busy with Purpose: Lessons for Education and Policy Leaders from Returning Student Parents
Language: English
Authors: Contreras-Mendez, Susana, Cruse, Lindsey Reichlin, Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR)
Source: Institute for Women's Policy Research. 2021.
Availability: Institute for Women's Policy Research. 1200 18th Street NW, Suite 301, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 202-833-4362; Fax: 202-785-5100; e-mail: iwpr@iwpr.org; Web site: http://www.iwpr.org
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 45
Publication Date: 2021
Document Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Postsecondary Education
Higher Education
Adult Education
Descriptors: Postsecondary Education, College Students, Parents, Child Rearing, Reentry Students, Adult Students, Academic Persistence, Dropouts, At Risk Students, Gender Differences, Racial Differences, Time, Student Employment, Child Care, Costs, Barriers, Family Needs, Student Financial Aid, Welfare Services, Online Courses, Student Personnel Services
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study
Abstract: Postsecondary attainment is widely recognized as key to accessing living-wage careers--in addition to fulfilling workforce demands and elevating the United States' standing on the world stage. While much of the work to increase attainment rates has recognized the role of reengaging adults who have some college credit, but no degree or certificate, less attention has been paid to the salience of parenthood in adults' postsecondary experiences. This report draws from Institute for Women's Policy Research analysis of national postsecondary data describing first-time enrolled students with children who left college before completing a degree or certificate and a series of 11 interviews with student parents who have taken prolonged breaks from postsecondary enrollment. The report describes common challenges to persistence and college reentry faced by adult students with children, factors that allow them to go back to school, and, in student parents' own words, tangible actions that policy and education leaders should take to better support their success. [This research was funded by Imaginable Futures.]
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2021
Accession Number: ED612518
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Postsecondary attainment is widely recognized as key to accessing living-wage careers--in addition to fulfilling workforce demands and elevating the United States' standing on the world stage. While much of the work to increase attainment rates has recognized the role of reengaging adults who have some college credit, but no degree or certificate, less attention has been paid to the salience of parenthood in adults' postsecondary experiences. This report draws from Institute for Women's Policy Research analysis of national postsecondary data describing first-time enrolled students with children who left college before completing a degree or certificate and a series of 11 interviews with student parents who have taken prolonged breaks from postsecondary enrollment. The report describes common challenges to persistence and college reentry faced by adult students with children, factors that allow them to go back to school, and, in student parents' own words, tangible actions that policy and education leaders should take to better support their success. [This research was funded by Imaginable Futures.]