College and Career Access for Young Parents: Insights from Literature, Lived Experience Experts, and College and Career Professionals. Research Report
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| Title: | College and Career Access for Young Parents: Insights from Literature, Lived Experience Experts, and College and Career Professionals. Research Report |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Kate Westaby, Rachel Johnson, Kimberly Salazar, Stephanie Gramann, Jessie Loeb, M. Muska Nataliansyah, Urban Institute |
| Source: | Urban Institute. 2026. |
| Availability: | Urban Institute. 2100 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037. Tel: 202-261-5687; Fax: 202-467-5775; Web site: http://www.urban.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 42 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | Annie E. Casey Foundation |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | High Schools Secondary Education Higher Education Postsecondary Education Elementary Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Parents, Young Adults, Access to Education, Barriers, High School Students, Graduation Rate, College Attendance, High School Graduates, Elementary Secondary Education, Role of Education, Educational Policy, Programs, Educational Practices, School Districts, Career Pathways, Student Needs, Partnerships in Education |
| Abstract: | Young parents--those who had their first child before age 25--face significant and preventable barriers to completing high school, enrolling in postsecondary education, and accessing family-sustaining careers. Young parents are more likely to be disconnected from both school and work, and only 1 out of 10 young parents is enrolled in college a few years after high school compared to almost 1 out of 2 of their peers. Although young parents demonstrate strong motivation to pursue postsecondary education and stable employment, systemic barriers often limit their opportunities. This report aims to identify how K-12 institutions can address these gaps by synthesizing insights from three data sources: (1) a literature scan of evidence about policies, programs, and practices affecting young parent success; (2) an advisory board that includes young parents, school district staff, higher education partners, and workforce leaders; and (3) two focus groups with current high school and early career young parents. Eight promising approaches are formed from the findings that reflect a shift toward system responsiveness and two-generation opportunity. They center young parents' strengths, goals, and lived realities, offering actionable strategies for K-12 districts and partners to expand equitable pathways to college and family-sustaining careers. [The Partnerships for Success Project is a collaboration with the Madison Metropolitan School District, the Young Parent Collective, and the Medical College of Wisconsin.] |
| Abstractor: | ERIC |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | ED681315 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Young parents--those who had their first child before age 25--face significant and preventable barriers to completing high school, enrolling in postsecondary education, and accessing family-sustaining careers. Young parents are more likely to be disconnected from both school and work, and only 1 out of 10 young parents is enrolled in college a few years after high school compared to almost 1 out of 2 of their peers. Although young parents demonstrate strong motivation to pursue postsecondary education and stable employment, systemic barriers often limit their opportunities. This report aims to identify how K-12 institutions can address these gaps by synthesizing insights from three data sources: (1) a literature scan of evidence about policies, programs, and practices affecting young parent success; (2) an advisory board that includes young parents, school district staff, higher education partners, and workforce leaders; and (3) two focus groups with current high school and early career young parents. Eight promising approaches are formed from the findings that reflect a shift toward system responsiveness and two-generation opportunity. They center young parents' strengths, goals, and lived realities, offering actionable strategies for K-12 districts and partners to expand equitable pathways to college and family-sustaining careers. [The Partnerships for Success Project is a collaboration with the Madison Metropolitan School District, the Young Parent Collective, and the Medical College of Wisconsin.] |
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