Where:
 San Diego, CA
When:
 November 18, 2021
Time:
 11:10 - 12:00 PM

Of all the trends emerging from the economic fallout of COVID-19, one of the most troubling has been the exodus of parents from the labor market. Declines in workforce participation have been steepest for mothers of color, who are disproportionately represented in low-wage and frontline jobs. Higher education is a key way to move up the economic ladder, but unlike previous recessions, we’ve also seen precipitous declines in enrollment, particularly at community colleges. Together, these trends pose a threat to equitable opportunity and economic recovery. How can postsecondary education better serve student parents? This session draws on qualitative and quantitative research to illuminate the experience of parents in postsecondary education and surface promising solutions to support their success. In addition to insights from researchers and innovators, this session will also feature perspectives from student parents speaking about their education and career journeys. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to engage, enroll, and support student parents — a population that is critical to serve if we are to achieve a more equitable economic recovery.

In the news from Strada

June 28, 2021
Examining the Value of Nondegree Credentials

The number of organizations offering nondegree credentials is proliferating, and interest from learners in these credentials — certificates, certifications, and licenses — is growing. But even though these credentials are now in the spotlight, we have relatively sparse data on outcomes. To provide more understanding, through a Strada-Gallup survey we asked more than 14,000 adults across the nation about earnings, job satisfaction, and perceptions about the worth and benefits of nondegree credentials. This month’s Strada Public Viewpoint release compares learner outcomes across degree, nondegree, and combined pathways. By examining programs of different lengths and the experiences of different populations, we aim to provide insights that inform our understanding of the value and potential limitations of nondegree credentials. Join Strada researchers and expert panelists at 2 p.m. EDT Wednesday, July 28, for a discussion about the findings and implications for the field. As part of the ongoing Strada Public Viewpoint research started in March 2020, Strada Education Network has talked to tens of thousands of people in the United States about their experiences with work and education during the pandemic. The research is intended to inform education and training providers, policymakers, and employers who are helping people complete valuable and purposeful education pathways.