Broward College recognizes the unique challenges faced by student-parents who juggle the demands of education while fulfilling family obligations. To better understand the needs of this group, the College recently participated as one of eight institutions in The College Success for Single Mothers initiative, a three-year research project led by the National College Transition Network (NCTN) in partnership with PERG Learning and Achieving the Dream.  

A task force led by Esmerelda Sweeney, associate vice president of Student Success, worked to identify parenting students with a focus on single mothers. In response to their findings, participating schools devised an 18-month action plan to establish sustainable support for these students on their campuses.  

Initiatives resulting from the NCTN’s research — published as the paper “Transforming Data into Action: Fostering College Success for Single Mothers and Parenting Students” — include increasing the visibility of parenting students through faculty development sessions, adding parenting information to basic needs resources, employing student parent “navigators,” and reviewing policies with parenting students in mind. 

In addition to supporting student-parents through new programming and policy, the College already offers a wealth of options to help parenting students succeed. For example, the financial aid office is well-equipped to help student-parents help fund their education through financial assistance, scholarships, and grants as well as offering affordable tuition options and flexible payment plans. 

To ensure student-parents thrive academically after enrollment, the College's tutoring centers provide one-on-one assistance in various subjects, and flexible class schedules, online courses, and hybrid learning options further accommodate the unique needs of student parents, allowing them to tailor their education to their family life. 

Recent Broward College graduate Eadina Jackson-Hunt, 45, said she chose to pursue her B.S. in Teacher Education at Broward College precisely because of the College’s holistic support of students with family obligations. “As a working mother I needed a program that would allow me to work at my own pace,” she said, “I knew once I did, it would lead me to where I am today. The flexibility of the courses and the support of the professors at Broward College has been amazing.” 

Broward College’s commitment to the well-being of student parents extends beyond academics. The College’s counseling services offer emotional support and guidance, recognizing the importance of mental health in the academic journey. Community is crucial for student parents, and Broward College fosters a sense of belonging through various student organizations and clubs. Parenting networks provide a platform for student parents to connect and offer mutual support.  

This commitment to inclusivity makes Broward College a nurturing educational environment for individuals who are not only students but dedicated parents. 

Interested in a flexible college education plan that works with your schedule? Broward College Online's certificate and degree programs are designed to provide you with career training and the competitive advantage needed for advancement. Learn more here.