(Jackson and Josephine counties, April 3, 2024)- Rogue Community College (RCC) has announced its partnership with the Urban Institute to enhance data collection concerning college students who are parents, marking a significant step in the Data-to-Action (D2A) Campaign for Parenting Students. This collaborative effort aims to empower parenting students by leveraging collected data to better support their educational endeavors.
As part of the initiative, RCC will be among eight grantee colleges and universities, along with a citywide college system, collaborating with the Urban Institute. RCC’s role will involve integrating data collection mechanisms within its college systems specifically targeting parenting and single-mother students.
Despite minimal existing student data, recent estimates suggest that approximately 35% of RCC students are also parents, underscoring the importance of tailored support mechanisms.
The D2A campaign, spearheaded by the Urban Institute, seeks to enhance data accuracy regarding college students’ parenting status and utilize this information to enhance opportunities for parenting students. By providing coaching, technical assistance, and fostering peer learning, the campaign supports a College Community of Practice across California, Illinois, and Oregon, states at the forefront of legislative efforts to collect comprehensive parenting status data at the student-record level.
Theresa Anderson, a principal research associate at the Urban Institute, emphasized the significance of addressing the needs of parenting students, stating, “Despite national data showing this group’s large size, an absence of data at individual schools about parent students’ enrollment, characteristics, experiences and outcomes renders them nearly invisible. We’re excited to help ensure that the educational needs of this understudied group are met.”
Among the participating institutions, Rogue Community College stands out, receiving a grant of $60,000 over two years from the Urban Institute. This funding will facilitate data collection efforts and the implementation of strategies to enhance student support services. Notably, a student employee at RCC, who is also a parent, will contribute valuable insights during the data analysis process, ensuring the voices of parenting students are heard and integrated into the grant’s outcomes.
Expressing her enthusiasm, RCC Student Employee Lynne Hamblin remarked, “As a parenting student at RCC, I am excited to see the impact of this important grant and to be part of bringing better support and resources to parenting students for years to come.”
For further information, interested parties can reach out to Institutional Research Analyst Kayla Rasson at krasson@roguecc.edu or 541-956-7408.
About the Urban Institute: The Urban Institute is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to providing data and evidence to advance upward mobility and equity. Serving as a trusted source for policymakers and change-makers, the Urban Institute delivers actionable insights aimed at strengthening decision-making processes, fostering inclusive economic growth, and enhancing the well-being of families and communities. With a history spanning over 50 years, Urban continues to provide factual analysis that inspires impactful solutions.
