Higher Learning Advocates Endorses the Helping Student Parents Succeed Act

WASHINGTON (November 21, 2019) — Julie Peller, Executive Director of Higher Learning Advocates, made the following statement to express Higher Learning Advocates’ support for the Helping Student Parents Succeed Act introduced by Congressman Colin Allred:

“A quarter of today’s students are parents or have other dependents. These students are balancing family responsibilities with classes and work responsibilities. It is crucial for institutions of higher education to be forthright about the policies that directly impact all of today’s students, including student parents, to promote student success and outcomes. 

The Helping Student Parents Succeed Act would require institutions to develop and publicize a statement of policies for expectant and parenting students. This statement must address policies such as information on financial aid, parental leave, student housing, and student support services. Providing student parents with clearer information moves us in the right direction and update support systems for today’s students. Higher Learning Advocates commends Congressman Allred on his commitment to student parents.”

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Higher Learning Advocates is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to shift federal policy from higher education to higher learning—education and training beyond high school that leads to a degree, credential, or employment. While more students are participating in higher education than ever before, there is a vast and growing disconnect between federal policy and the needs of today’s students, employers, and communities. We are working toward federal policies that create transparent pathways to success, incentivize innovation, protect students and taxpayers, and improve outcomes.