Designates September 2024 as “National Student Parent Month.”
Recognizes student parents as individuals with children attending postsecondary educational institutions, comprising about 20% of the student population (nearly 4 million).
Notes that 70% of student parents are women, with 62% of student mothers being single parents.
Highlights that 54% of single mothers in higher education work 20 or more hours per week, and 43% work 30 or more hours, balancing school, work, and caregiving.
States that 51% of student parents are students of color, with significant representation among Black, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic students.
Mentions that 47% of student parents are military-connected, with 813 surviving military spouses utilizing education benefits.
Indicates that 42% of student parents attend community colleges, while 30% attend public or private nonprofit four-year institutions.
Points out that single mothers in higher education could save approximately $19.9 billion in public assistance spending.
Reports that 44% of student parents experience food insecurity and 60% face housing insecurity.
Notes that two-thirds of student parents live at or near the poverty line, with 52% being Federal Pell Grant recipients.
Acknowledges that student parents generally have higher GPAs than non-parenting peers but are significantly less likely to complete a bachelor’s degree within five years.
Emphasizes the potential economic benefits of degree attainment for low-income student parents and their children.
Recognizes the unique challenges faced by student parents, including lack of affordable childcare and the need to balance work and education.