A new study from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies reveals that Black student parents at community colleges face significant barriers in accessing
The research brief, "Black Student Parents' Access to Affordable Child Care Support at Community Colleges," examines the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program, a federal initiative designed to help student parents with childcare expenses. The findings show that community colleges with substantial Black student populations are underrepresented among CCAMPIS recipients.
According to the analysis, while 13 percent of community colleges nationwide have at least 40 percent Black enrollment, only 5 to 7 percent of community colleges receiving CCAMPIS funding between 2017 and 2022 had similar Black student representation. This disparity points to potential inequities in how this vital support program is distributed.
"Receiving access to higher education can significantly increase income, skill development, employment opportunities, and much more, all critical factors that can help Black student parents achieve their goals and secure access to family-sustaining wages," said Justin Nalley, senior policy analyst at the Joint Center and co-author of the brief.
The study highlights that Black students are more likely to be parents than other racial groups at both community colleges and four-year institutions. The combined costs of pursuing postsecondary education and securing child care create substantial financial burdens for these student parents.
Dr. Gabrielle Smith Finnie, policy analyst at the Joint Center and co-author of the report, noted: "According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, Black student parents account for 30 percent of undergraduate student parents, but only 15 percent of CCAMPIS participants were Black."
The CCAMPIS program allows colleges to use grant funding to subsidize childcare costs for Pell Grant-eligible students, support campus-based or community-based childcare programs, provide before or after-school services, or offer student support like financial and career counseling.
