Parenting students make up at least one-fifth of U.S. undergraduates, roughly 3.8 million students, according to a report by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research and Ascend at the Aspen Institute.

Yet, too often, these students confront extra hurdles to earning their degrees, and their needs go unmet on campuses, says filmmaker Jaye Fenderson. In this interview, Fenderson discusses her new documentary on student parents and the supports they need to thrive in college.

Emilio Madrigal Mendoza is a standout student, a well-rounded athlete, and a leader among his peers in the Sacramento region. But it wasn't so long ago that he had no grasp of the English language, struggled to make friends, and lamented his move to the United States.

Those hurdles ultimately became his inspiration. Today, Mendoza is headed to Duke University on a full four-year scholarship.

Too often, borrowers lack the necessary support for their success as students. Instead, many find themselves paying significantly more than they should for years longer than they should and, in the worst cases, suffer the severe consequences associated with student loan default, including wage garnishment and tax withholding.

It’s time for a change.