#United States #San Antonio #College Promise #Student Fathers #Alamo Colleges

National Convening to Support Student Fathers

On May 29, 2025, the College Promise initiative in partnership with the Alamo Colleges District will host a pivotal national event aimed at improving educational supports for student fathers. This gathering, held at the ACCESS Building of the Alamo Colleges District in San Antonio, Texas, seeks to unite educational leaders, policy specialists, and relevant practitioners to tackle the distinctive challenges faced by student fathers on their postsecondary educational journeys.

As college enrollment rates among males decline nationwide, College Promise has identified student fathers as a critical group requiring focused attention. To address this issue, the national convening will be dedicated to three primary objectives: performing a thorough analysis of existing data, disseminating best practices that enhance the academic outcomes of student fathers, and amplifying the effectiveness of current support systems via targeted outreach and technical assistance.

The initiative will concentrate on six states which have established data collection systems for student parents, namely Michigan, Illinois, Oregon, California, Minnesota, and Texas. This strategic focus aims to ensure that interventions and supportive services are well-timed and effectively delivered across key regions, eventually expanding the findings to College Promise programs across the country.

The national gathering will feature spirited discussions and workshops showcasing successful wraparound services, innovative financial aid mechanisms, and institutional policies that can be effectively implemented on a wide scale. "When we support student fathers to achieve their potential, we uplift entire families and communities," emphasizes Rosye Cloud, interim CEO of College Promise. Her assertion underscores the belief that access to higher education is pivotal for long-term economic stability and community development.

The efforts of the Alamo Colleges District, as articulated by Chancellor Dr. Mike Flores, demonstrate a commitment to understanding and addressing the unique predicaments student fathers encounter. He states, "At the Alamo Colleges District, we believe in meeting students where they are, designing pathways that mirror their real-life circumstances. Student fathers are an integral part of our college communities, and their experiences should not be overlooked in educational policy and practice."

This event aligns with the 10th anniversary celebrations of College Promise and amplifies the ongoing National Promise movement, which aims to highlight the significance of equitable access to education for all students. Partnering with various sectors to advocate for policies that remove barriers to higher education, College Promise remains deeply committed to enhancing college access, persistence, and completion rates among all demographics.

In conclusion, the national convening represents an essential step forward in addressing the educational needs and aspirations of student fathers. By bridging gaps with actionable solutions that prioritize their experiences, this initiative promises to foster a more inclusive atmosphere in the higher education landscape. With the collaboration between colleges, communities, and policy makers, there’s a robust framework being developed to ensure student fathers can thrive both academically and in their personal lives. This gathering not only champions the cause for student fathers but also stands as a model for integrated approaches to nurturing diverse student populations in the future.