Program evaluation shows investing in whole-family success makes an impact Parenting students are nearly twice as likely to leave school for preventable reasons: lack of child care, conflicting course and work schedules, and even convenient transportation*. Today, 1 in 5 college students in the US are parents **. Without adequate support, they face higher risks of financial insecurity, reduced quality of life due to time constraints or “time poverty,” and discontinuing college courses. Over the last four years, The Parenting Students Project (PSP) pilot program provided comprehensive support for a group of these students. The program set out to improve academic outcomes and financial stability for the families. The results proved organization and institutional collaboration is a key combination: We partnered with Austin Community College to undergo this pilot program. We also partnered with Trellis Strategies to evaluate its impact. Trellis evaluated 91 students in the program and released their evaluation results in a report earlier this year. The report highlights the value and impact that the Parenting Students Project resources had on students. The resources included: $500 monthly stipend Peer networking/engagement Leadership and advocacy opportunities Academic counseling Other wrap-around services, such as child care stipends Read the Report Report Highlights: 88% of students who had ever participated in the PSP had either graduated or were still enrolled at ACC in Spring 2024, compared to 54% of parenting students who had never participated. 95% of students who participated in the PSP in a given term were retained into the following […]
Read MoreOur New Strategic Framework: Coalitions that confront economic inequality
Model Community meets quarterly to increase knowledge and collaboration among members, explore emerging topics through workgroups, provide participatory learning opportunities, and gather feedback for evaluation. United Way for Greater Austin advances our mission — bringing our community together to break economic barriers and build opportunity for all — using four strategies. One of those is coalitions. United Way envisions a Central Texas where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. And 2024 marks an important milestone for us: 100 years serving the community! As we reflect on a century of change and a legacy of impact, our new strategic plan harnesses the power of a collaborative community for lasting change for our next 100 years. Our new strategic plan reflects the urgency of addressing economic disparity. We focus on increasing the availability of high-quality early care and education and equitable access to pivotal resources to dismantle economic barriers in Central Texas. Our united front includes dedicated staff, donors, civic and private partners, and an engaged community. Together, we leverage our strategies of data, coalitions, services and support, and advocacy to transform Central Texas, responding to urgent needs with impactful solutions. Inspired by leadership and energy in our community, our grassroots coalitions ignite collective impact with community members and nonprofit partners. These alliances are the heartbeat of our mission, amplifying our efforts to confront economic challenges with unity and strength. Here are some of our impactful coalitions: Success By 6 Coalition: Creates opportunities for infants, toddlers, and young children to receive high-quality […]
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