Can Welfare Mothers Hack it in College? A Comparison of Achievement between Tanf Recipients and General Population Community College Students

Abstract

The achievement of a group of undergraduate students enrolled in a pilot program for welfare recipients in the form of TANF (Temporary Aid to Needy Families) was compared with the achievement of general population students at an urban community college. Grades attained in a basic level, introductory Psychology course were used to measure academic achievement. Additionally, TANF students' rates of academic retention and election to the Dean's list were compared to rates among the general population community college students, over a period of four semesters. Students in the TANF program attained higher grades in the Psychology course, were elected to the Dean's list at higher rates, and retained their enrollments at equal rates to general population students. The findings suggest that, given proper support, TANF recipients can become successful college students. Implications for the current debate around welfare reform, specifically around the issue of allowing secondary education to substitute for TANF work requirements, are discussed.

Undergraduate Single Mothers’ Experiences in Postsecondary Education

“…Many single mothers use postsecondary education as a way out of poverty (Goldrick‐Rab & Sorensen, ; Lovell, ; Pandey, Zahn, & Kim, ; Radey & Cheatham, ; Romo & Segura, ; Zhan & Pandey, ; ). Falling below the poverty level makes single mothers vulnerable to changes in federal, state, and institutional policies, specifically welfare and financial aid policies (Duquaine‐Watson, ; Cerven, ; Costello, ; Fenster, ; Huelsman & Engle, ; Johnson, ). The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) promoted a work‐first policy, thereby making it a challenge for some single mothers to attend college (Duquaine‐Watson, ; Johnson, ).…”

“…Comprehensive college support programs play an important role for single mothers, and include application assistance, academic advising, tutoring, peer support, mentoring, and counseling (Cerven, 2013;Fenster, 2003;Romo & Segura, 2010;Schumacher, 2015). Single mothers often struggle with acquiring accurate information and advice regarding entry and persistence in postsecondary education; therefore, access to advisors, counselors, and other college support personnel can ease their challenges (Austin & McDermott, 2003;Brock & Richburg-Hayes, 2006;Brown & Adansi, 2007;Fenster, 2003;Matus-Grossman, Gooden, Wavelet, Diaz, & Seupersad, 2002;Richburg-Hays, 2008;Romo & Segura, 2010). Single mothers often lack time and may find it NEW DIRECTIONS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION • DOI: 10.1002/he difficult to seek out support services, so connecting to student support services (i.e., academic counseling) yields positive outcomes for single mothers (Brock & Richburg-Hays, 2006;Matus-Grossman et al, 2002;Richburg-Hays, 2008;Romo & Segura, 2010;Schumacher, 2015).…”

“…Costello (2014) notes that family member encouragement can positively influence pregnant and parenting teens' college access persistence. Support groups can also positively influence single mothers' persistence (Austin & McDermott, 2003;Brock & Richburg-Hays, 2006;Brown & Adansi, 2007;Bruns, 2004;Cerven, 2013;Costello, 2014;Fenster, 2003;Richburg-Hays, 2008;Schumacher, 2015;Van Stone et al, 1994). Bruns (2004 found that the single-mother support group provided an outlet for single mothers to discuss their challenges, receive peer assistance to overcome barriers, and feel connected with a community of other single mothers also pursuing postsecondary education.…”

“…College support programs provide avenues for knowledge acquisition, communication, academic assistance, and ways in which single mothers can engage with their institutions (Austin & McDermott, ; Cerven, ; Fenster, ; Romo & Segura, ). Fenster () investigated whether students receiving TANF benefits could achieve academic success if given proper supports, specifically tutoring, academic advising, preregistration, counseling, smaller class sizes, child care, and transportation reimbursement. The study compared the achievement (i.e., GPA in a 100‐level psychology class, election to the dean's list, and rates of dismissal) of the TANF recipients and the general population of the community college.…”

Opportunities and Threats for College Women’s Health: Health Care Reform and Higher Education

“…If a college woman decides to follow through with pregnancy, it may cause a discontinuation of education as single mothers are less likely to persist in higher education due to added financial, child care, and work responsibilities (Adair, 2001;Cook & King, 2004;Fenster, 2004;Goldrick-Rab, 2009). In a University of Illinois study, students with children were three times more likely to drop out of college compared to students who did not have children due to the financial burden and a lack of familial support (Mulroy, 2010).…”