WHEREAS, Student parents in the California Community Colleges system balance academic responsibilities alongside caregiving, employment, and family duties, which research shows contributes to lower persistence and completion outcomes compared to non-parenting peers;
WHEREAS, Student parents experience systemic barriers in higher education due to limited access to centralized support resources and academic environments that accommodate caregiving responsibilities;
WHEREAS, The California Community Colleges system has an established responsibility to advance equity and affirm disproportionately impacted student populations in alignment with the Vision for Success and Student Equity and Achievement Program; and
WHEREAS, Student Parent Engagement Centers and family-friendly study spaces are recognized resources that improve access to referrals, campus services, and inclusive learning environments for student parents; Now, therefore, be it;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges support Student Parent Engagement Centers as a resource to centralize referrals, information, and advocacy for student parents;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges recommend to community college districts to designate family-friendly study spaces to assist student parents in maintaining academic engagement while managing caregiving responsibilities; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges urge the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and system partners to share best practices, guidance, and available funding opportunities related to student parent support resources.
Citations:
[1] UC Davis Wheelhouse Research Center, Student Parent Data Brief. https://education.ucdavis.edu/research/wheelhouse
[2] California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, Vision for Success.https://www.cccco.edu/About-Us/Vision-for-Success
[3] California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, Student Equity and Achievement Program.https://www.cccco.edu/.../Student-Equity
[4] Higher Ed Dive, Student Parent Persistence and Caregiving Responsibilities. https://www.highereddive.com