Fact Sheet Supporting Young Parents as They Advance Their Education and Careers
Shayne Spaulding, Heather Sandstrom, Nathan Sick
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Approximately 43 percent of US children are born to parents who had their first child when they were younger than 25. These young parents often face greater economic challenges, because half of them live in low-income households. To advance their career prospects and improve their family’s economic security, many young parents work while also pursuing education. But balancing all those responsibilities is challenging, and parents may need additional support to succeed. This fact sheet includes key facts for understanding young parents balancing work and education as well as recommendations for how policymakers and education programs can support them.

Research Areas Education Wealth and financial well-being Children and youth Families Social safety net Race and equity Workforce
Tags Employment Higher education Workforce development Poverty Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Economic well-being Public service and subsidized employment programs Family and household data Employment and income data Racial and ethnic disparities School funding Child care Wages and nonwage compensation Financial knowledge and capability Secondary education Workers in low-wage jobs Families with low incomes Wealth inequality Job training Parenting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Unemployment and unemployment insurance Work-family balance Youth employment and training Beyond high school: education and training Inequality and mobility Kids in context Racial barriers to accessing the safety net Racial equity in education Racial inequities in employment Hunger and food assistance Child care and workers Student parents Building America’s Workforce
Policy Centers Income and Benefits Policy Center