1. Using Needs Assessment Surveys to Understand Priorities for Pregnant and Parenting Community College Students: Comparing US and Foreign-Born Parents
- Author
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Ryan, Grace, Pieper, Felicia, Adam, Emily, Askelson, Natoshia, Greene, Mary, and Buckert, Amy
- Abstract
Objective: To better understand differing needs of US and foreign-born pregnant and/or parenting community college students. Participants/Methods: We conducted online survey with 608 students living in a rural Midwestern state who were pregnant and/or parenting, 15% of whom were born outside of the United States. We used chi-square tests to determine differences between US and foreign-born students. Results: Results of our survey highlighted several areas in the following categories which are clear needs for this group of students--personal/mental health, child's health, basic needs (i.e., food insecurity), academic/professional development, and parenting supports. In many cases, foreign-born students reported significantly higher need than their US counterparts. Conclusions: Parenting and foreign-born students attend community colleges at higher rates than other four-year institutions and therefore these colleges need to understand how to best serve these populations. Conducting a needs assessment survey is an efficient way to collect information that allows administrators to tailor services that will help students succeed.
- Published
- 2023
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