"Older, working and caregiving students face higher food insecurity—and lower persistence—than their peers. A recent analysis found that roughly 19 percent of older students, 15 percent of primarily working students and 21 percent of caregiving students experienced food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to about 11 percent of other students."
"About 56 percent of older students, 55 percent of primarily working students and 53 percent of caregiving students had either earned a credential or were still enrolled three years after initial enrollment, compared to roughly 73 percent of their peers."
"Marián Vargas, assistant director of research at IHEP, said the analysis does not establish a causal link but highlights a gap between the challenges students faced and the support they received."
"We know from prior research that factors such as food insecurity have a big impact on student persistence and success."
Caregiving students, who balance education with family responsibilities, face significant challenges including food and housing instability. Research indicates that these students experience higher rates of food insecurity compared to their peers, which negatively impacts their persistence in education. Colleges and universities have implemented various support systems, yet gaps in awareness and access to these resources remain. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving the educational outcomes of caregiving students and enhancing workforce development.
Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
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