“Too many student-parents never make it to graduation, in no small part because their campuses don’t adequately help them fit college into their lives — or even just fit in.
“Yet over 3 million student-parents across the nation, myself included, are pursuing higher education, seeking the intergenerational benefits that come with earning a degree. To reap them, we must overcome many obstacles, as colleges aren’t designed for students like us.”
— “Opinion: Student-parents belong on college campuses. So do their children,” by Krystle Pale, The Hechinger Report, October 27, 2025
“While many community colleges provide childcare on campus, some work with community partners to connect students to off-campus childcare.”
“In Boston, Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) understands the importance of partnerships, too.
“Sixty percent of BHCC students are either parents or caregivers – and they all have different needs, including when it comes to childcare. The college doesn’t operate a childcare center, but it does provide assistance in affording and finding childcare thanks to a federal Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant and a partnership with an area nonprofit.
“BHCC, through its Single Stop office, offers childcare vouchers to qualified parenting students and connects them with partner Child Care Choices of Boston (CCCB) to find childcare options that fit their needs. CCCB is a program under ABCD (Action for Boston Community Development) that offers support, resources and training for families and childcare providers in Boston and surrounding areas.
“ ‘When students come to Single Stop, many are desperate,’ said Single Stop Director Kathleen O’Neill. ‘If you can’t get childcare, you can’t take classes.’
“For parenting students, flexibility is key, explained Zanny Alter, an academic coordinator with the Single Stop program. And choosing childcare is ‘such a personal decision,’ she said. Hours, location, size and language spoken are just some of the factors that parents take into consideration. Providing vouchers and options gives students autonomy, Alter added.”
— “Changing childcare offerings at community colleges,” by Tabitha Whissemore, Community College Daily, October 19, 2025