As part of its broader Student Parent Success Initiative, Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR) conducted original research focusing specifically on Black single mother students. This report summarizes findings from 25 interviews IWPR conducted with Black single mother community college students, consisting of both students who were…

Community college leaders have very demanding jobs. They are pulled in many directions, both professionally and personally--and they're responsible for the welfare of hundreds or even thousands of students, faculty and staff. But, as the safety instructions on an airplane imply, those in positions of authority have to take care of themselves…

College students across the nation are encountering stressors from a myriad of sources in addition to the typical stress of academics. These stressors come by way of financial, occupational, social, physical, emotional, environmental, and spiritual challenges in students' lives. While reported incidences of mental health needs among college…

The Center for Collegiate Mental Health found that between 2009 and 2015, colleges saw an increase in counseling center use by up to 40 percent, despite only a 5 percent increase in enrollment. The most common concerns among college students are anxiety and depression. Experts point out that this increase could be attributed to students being more…

Research showed that the college environment threatens the mental health development of students. The community college (CC) system is unique and the development of the psychological well-being (PWB) of students studying at CCs has not been extensively studied. It is also worth answering the question that how PWB relates to CC students' academic…

College students' positive mental health is integral to academic success, the college experience, overall health, and success after graduation. The emerging adulthood developmental period is marked by identity exploration and transitional stress, creating a peak time for the onset of mental health disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated…

This dissertation examined community college transfer students' perceptions of how mental health concerns interfere with academics, the ability to stay in school, graduate, and transfer to a 4-year university. The study also examined if community college transfer students perceive that mental health counseling improves their ability to stay in…

This study's purpose is to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international students who were studying at U.S. community colleges at the onset of this public health crisis. While previous work has explored the impact of the pandemic on international students generally, we argue that community college international students deserve…

The forced expeditious transition online induced by the COVID-19 pandemic caused a massive disruption to education. COVID-19 exacerbated the inequities that existed in education for years. As technology advances and integrates with education, it can both enhance inclusive instructional practices, as well as exacerbate issues of equity. Achievement…

This study highlights how the Bronx Community College (BCC) community addressed the digital divide during the pandemic and explores the long-term implications of online learning for the community post-pandemic. BCC, located in the country's poorest congressional district, serves the community that is traditionally most affected by the digital…

This research study aimed to describe the perceptions of faculty regarding teaching students who experienced anxiety and depressive disorders at one rural North Carolina community college. Through a qualitative case study approach, this study revealed the experiences of faculty, representing a variety of disciplines and who teach a diverse…

The purpose of this study was to assess learning through the integration of student-research within a community college online Abnormal Psychology course, contained in a one-semester behavioral health certificate program. Seven abnormal psychology students became researchers with IRB approval, and they conducted a qualitative study about mental…

The prevalence of school shootings and other campus violence incidents have called attention to the increasing number of college students who are living with Mental Health Disorders (MHDs). There is a substantial amount of literature on MHDs among college students who are attending 4-year universities. However, the literature is lacking research…

The purpose of this study was to explore reasons why adolescent youth from foster care and in special education, including those who are newly emancipated from the foster care system, have difficulty transitioning into independent living. The study was guided by one research question: What difficulties do students who receive special education…

In 2022, the Center for the Study of Social Policy and Project SPARC conducted research to better understand the barriers experienced by parenting students participating in CalWORKs, California's cash assistance program for families with children. This brief highlights findings from the research on parenting students' experiences meeting their…