My Future

How can I get an education while parenting?

What do you value in life? Values are individual beliefs that motivate people to act one way or another. Education is a value. It has a huge impact on your economic mobility and your child’s future. High school, trade school, and college degrees help determine the kind of job you can get.

Here are the facts. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that people who have a post-secondary degree, such as a bachelor’s degree from a college, earn about 65% more per week than those with just a high school diploma. Children of college graduates are also more likely to go to college.

Your future depends on two things:

• Circumstances beyond your control.

• The choices you make.

Completing your education while parenting is a choice. And it’s something that IS possible! A 2016 study found that 42% of all community college students in Colorado and 17% of students at public four-year universities were parents.

If you’re thinking about continuing your education and wondering how you can do it while parenting, read through these tips:

• Figure out your financial aid situation first—Have you graduated from high school? Taking a GED prep course and the test costs money. If you want to attend a technical school, earn an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree, or attend graduate school, the costs are even higher.
• Apply for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or aid through the State of Colorado.
• Talk with your employer about your plans to attend school—Some companies offer reimbursement programs for employees to continue their education. Education makes you a more valuable employee.
• Make an appointment with an admissions counselor—Schools have financial aid centers that can help you. Many community colleges and four-year universities offer scholarships just for parents and have programs designed to support parents as they attend school.
  • Front Range Community College has a child care assistance program that helps students with children under the age of 12 pay for up to 60% of their monthly child care costs.
• Talk with your child about why you’re going back to school—Your parents' attitudes about education probably influenced how you view education. The same is true with your child. If they see you prioritizing your education, they will learn that it’s something you value and they should as well.