It’s notoriously difficult to be a parent and a college student. But Calbright is designed to make it work.
That’s why a fifth of Calbright students – 21% – are parents or caregivers, compared to only about 10% across the California Community College system. They come here because we address the barriers of flexibility and time they face, and remove the obstacles that are in their way.
In a new video, Calbright student Jeremy Cox talks about how important a college as flexibly paced and student centered as Calbright has been to him as a stay-at-home parent.
“I’ve been a stay-at-home dad since the pandemic,” he said, raising a two-year old son and a four-year old daughter. “My job is taking care of them all day long.”
Every parent knows that’s a full-time job, and Jeremy couldn’t have gone back to college after decades working in restaurants, getting a certification in IT Support and studying Network Technology, while also taking care of his kids if Calbright hadn’t been designed specifically to support adults like him.
That’s a common sentiment among the many Calbright students who are also parents.
“Being a parent while pursuing an education isn’t easy, but Calbright’s flexibility has made it possible in a way that traditional programs couldn’t,” said Ahmed, who helped raise his children while studying IT Support, Network Technology, and Cybersecurity at Calbright. “I can log in and study whenever it fits my schedule, which often means early mornings or late nights after the kids are asleep. That freedom makes a huge difference.”
Ahmed now has a job in technology as a Help Desk Specialist, and said that Calbright’s unique approach to adult higher education opened doors. “The self-paced model and online platform make it possible for someone like me to actually move forward in my education,” he said. “I don’t have to worry about commuting or strict class times, which makes it much more manageable.”
Ekaterina, who completed Calbright’s programs in Data Analysis and Project Management, said that the college’s approach met her where she was in her life as a working mother.
“Being a parent of two children while pursuing my studies at Calbright has definitely been a journey of balance and growth,” she said. “In addition to my kids, I also have a husband and a job, so essentially, every hour of my day is divided between four major responsibilities. That kind of juggling act could feel overwhelming in a traditional academic setting, but Calbright’s flexible, self-paced format has truly made a difference.”
Ekaterina said she could schedule her studies around her family’s daily rhythms. She’d spend her days at work, her evenings with her children, and then study into the night when the house was quiet. “That flexibility is a game-changer for working parents.”
Of course there were still challenges, Ekaterina noted. “There are days when fatigue kicks in, or when unexpected parenting duties interrupt my study plans,” she said. But Calbright’s flexibly-paced, Competency-Based Education model, allows students to set their own timelines and doesn’t penalize them for needing to take a break when life gets in the way. That meant she could be a parent first without having to be a student second.
“Over time, I’ve learned to build routines, set small, achievable goals, and be kind to myself when things don’t go exactly as planned,” she said.
The effort paid off. After completing her Data Analysis certificate, Ekaterina received a promotion at work. “I’m deeply grateful for the role Calbright has played in helping me transition into a more flexible and fulfilling career path.”
Ahmed also said that the key to being a Calbright student while being a successful parent was to find the right pace for himself, be flexible, and use all the resources he had.
“I’ve gotten better at setting realistic goals and carving out dedicated time blocks, even if they’re small,” he said. “Support from my family helps a lot, and I also lean on the resources Calbright provides — the academic support and coaching have been invaluable.”
Higher education can be accessible to parents and caregivers, addressing their needs, offering the support they require, and moving them closer towards their goals. Calbright is showing how college can be reimagined for parents and caregivers, strengthening the education and economic pathways of students and families alike.
