Our Vision in Action:
Supporting Student Parents
Did you know?
One-third of LACCD students are parents, working hard to provide an even brighter future for their family.
More than 60% report household incomes below the federal poverty line, facing intense pressure to balance the costs of parenting and academics.
The Foundation’s sponsored programs and scholarships connect student parents to childcare subsidies, Basic Needs Centers, and critical resources, while supporting the long-term growth of Family Resource Centers and other resources across LACCD.
Overview
Student parents are a vital but often overlooked population at community colleges. At LACCD, they make up a significant portion of the student body but face systemic challenges, including inconsistent childcare, limited access to support programs, and staffing shortages at key student services hubs. According to a 2022 UniteLA study:
Over 65% of student parents face major barriers to accessing childcare.
21.8% report having no access to childcare at all.
30.5% say their childcare is only available intermittently.
These barriers directly affect their ability to persist in college, leading to missed classes, enrollment delays and academic drop-off.
Our Impact
Our scholarships focus on the most vulnerable student parents: those without stable childcare and support systems. Through strategic connections to existing resources, including Basic Needs Centers, CalWORKs, and subsidized care programs, the initiative aims to bridge short-term gaps while pushing for systemic improvements.
It also highlights a broader challenge: Basic Needs Centers and Family Resource Centers are under-resourced and understaffed, making it difficult for student parents to access the help they’re eligible for. By advocating for dedicated staff, sustainable funding, and culturally responsive services, this endeavor is part of a larger effort to ensure student parents not only stay enrolled but thrive.
“I started college at 15, but dropped out after becoming a mom. I never thought scholarships were meant for someone like me. So when I got one, I was honestly shocked—and so grateful. To the people who made it possible: thank you. Your support is changing lives. You’ve changed mine.”
-Olivia V., LA Mission College, Administration of Justice
