Using Digital Communities to Engage and Retain Student Parents

Collaborative Spaces Provide an Easy Way to Connect with Resources and Get Support

To say that college students today have a lot on their plate is a major understatement. One in five students is a parent and 44 percent of student parents are working full-time while enrolled in college. For these learners life is a constant balancing act between family, work, and academic commitments.

Helping student parents navigate the complexities of day to day life is a critical service that must be provided by the institutions that serve them. And while there are many strategies that can and should be employed along the way, digital communities offer a low cost, high impact solution that makes a measurable difference.  With the support of a like-minded community, student parents can do more than just survive - they can thrive.

Accessing Resources and Recommendations

Many student parents have unique needs that - if left unattended - can quickly upend their focus and ability to stay on track in school.  It’s vital that student parents know what services are available to them and how to connect with those resources and individuals when they need help.  Whether that means finding child care options, building a flexible schedule, or learning about financial support, schools should leverage digital communities to create a centralized, on-demand space where this information is readily accessible, simple to navigate, and easy to keep updated. Students won’t waste time with endless searches and will know exactly what resources are available and who they can turn to for questions and advice.

Creating a Sense of Belonging

No one understands the complexities of learning while parenting like other student parents. They are a great resource for each other but unfortunately, they don't always know how to find one another. In fact, 40% of students surveyed felt isolated as a parenting student on campus. Digital communities create an all-important support system where student parents can easily find each other and build a sense of connection and belonging from day one. In the community, they can connect with peers who have shared background and experiences, talk about opportunities and obstacles they face, and share solutions to common challenges. When student parents have the opportunity to learn from each other, they gain confidence and a network of peers who can help them stay motivated when times get tough.

Keeping Students Focused on Their Goal

It's not uncommon for student parents to take longer to graduate than students who don't have children. Some data even suggests student parents are 10 times less likely to complete a bachelor’s degree within five years compared to their peers who do not have children.

Digital communities keep students connected to their school, creating numerous opportunities to engage with peers, faculty, and advisors so that they can keep working toward their goal in the most timely way possible. From sharing study skills and time management strategies, to providing overall encouragement and guidance, digital communities can keep student parents on track - even if their path to a degree takes a little longer than expected.Is the student parent population on your campus larger than people realize? What is your school doing to connect with, engage, and retain student parents so they can thrive -- at school, at work, and at home? 

Thought LeadershipDanielle Bonner