Resources
Student-Parent Focused Support
Ascend at the Aspen Institute is a catalyst and convener for diverse leaders working across systems and sectors to build intergenerational family prosperity and well-being by intentionally focusing on children and the adults in their lives together.
The 1 in 5 podcast explores the multifaceted lives of the one in five (22%) of college students who are parents Launched in 2021 by Ascend at the Aspen Institute’s Postsecondary Success for Parents (PSP) initiative and its podcast production partner, LWC Studios,1 in 5 is a narrative documentary podcast that gives student parents a platform to share their lived expertise about what it’s like to care for a child and pursue a postsecondary credential.
Gloria has a heart-to-heart conversation with Waukecha Wilkerson, a student parent advocate and single mom of three, about how her years-long struggle with child care ultimately put her on the path to earning her college degree.
Recording of statewide forum presented by The Blue Shield of California Foundation, California Competes, The Education Trust West, Tipping Point Community, Ascend at the Aspen Institute, and the Michelson 20MM Foundation. Keynote presented by Waukecha Wilkerson "Take Away the Failure Option".
This nationally-acclaimed symposium brings together students, community and higher education professionals to discuss best practices, policies, research, program models, and community collaboration when supporting post-secondary parenting students and their families. The focus is on how to empower this unique college population while assisting them with overcoming barriers that may keep them from graduating.
Helps low-income single parents graduate from college or vocational training with the skills necessary to achieve economic independence.
Co-Founded by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Anthony Barr and his mother Lori Barr in 2016, Raise the Barr is committed to increasing the economic mobility for single-parent students in Minnesota and Southern California by providing them with the holistic resources they need to complete their education, including resources they need for their children to thrive.
Ensures all student parents have the opportunities to succeed and experience economic mobility, Generation Hope engages education and policy partners to drive systemic change and provides direct support to teen parents in college as well as their children through holistic, two-generation programming.
Goal to improve postsecondary success of student-parents so that the whole family can thrive. Postsecondary success is credential attainment-including industry- recognized certificates and degress - as well as economic mobility and improved well-being.
Soroptimist's Live Your Dream Awards program is a unique education award for women who provide the primary financial support for their families. The Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.
CUNY Fatherhood Academy
The CUNY Fatherhood Academy (CFA) is a free program designed to promote being a great dad and provides support to unemployed and underemployed dads with their educational goals, and getting new and better jobs. The program serves dads ages 18-30, through education, employment, and personal development. CFA provides a variety of academic and personal supports including GED preparation classes, tutoring, individualized counseling, parenting seminars, financial incentives, and job preparation.
The Education Trust–West (Ed Trust–West) is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the California education system. Through our research and advocacy, Ed Trust–West improves racial equity in education, engages diverse communities dedicated to education equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where students of color and multilingual learners, especially those experiencing poverty, will thrive.
California Competes: Higher Education for a Strong Economy is a nonpartisan policy and research organization focused on identifying solutions to the state’s most critical challenges at the intersection of higher education, equity, and the economy.
We seek to strengthen education-to-employment pathways to drive economic strength, resilience, and growth for California. Through our rigorous, research-based approach, we guide decision makers and leaders on advancing policy solutions and system-level change that enables all Californians to achieve their education and career goals.