Black Student Parents Can Thrive with Access to This Critical Federal Program

Former Joint Center Senior Policy Analyst Justin Nalley and Special Assistant Carlton Langford co-authored an op-ed titled “Black Student Parents Can Thrive with Access to This Critical Federal Program.” This op-ed discussed the importance of protecting and reauthorizing the Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS) Reauthorization Act to ensure it continues serving low-income student parents. In tandem, it argues for a mandate accurate, detailed data collection on student parents so resources can be directed where they’re needed most.

From the op-ed: “For Black student parents, higher education can feel like an obstacle course. The soaring cost of child care, inflexible class schedules, and limited campus support make staying enrolled a daily battle. It’s not just about managing responsibilities — it’s about doing so with minimal institutional support and even less societal recognition. When other students are enjoying campus activities, many skip out.”

Click here to read the full essay. The op-ed was reposted in Black Press USA, URL media, and Word in Black.