Reforms to the federal financial aid process that will more accurately calculate a student’s need and improve estimation of these costs are on the horizon. While these changes represent an important step in the right direction, more must be done to help parenting students pay for college.

Building more generous financial aid systems, financial support for child care, and support for emergencies can help ensure that student parents not only access but also complete college, say advocates.

Addressing inequities in student success is the core tenet of Achieving the Dream’s mission and has been since its inception 20 years ago. This work is particularly critical for the nation’s community colleges, which enroll a higher share of students who are racially and economically marginalized, first-generation students, adult learners, and student parents.

Achieving the Dream is now releasing an 87-page toolkit that brings together lessons from research and two decades of experience working with community colleges to create more equitable institutions.

At a time when the Latino population in the United States is growing and students are still facing daunting obstacles, Excelencia in Education is recognizing nine institutions for their clear and decisive commitment to Latino student success with the "Seal of Excelencia."

Additionally, five institutions that previously received the designation will re-certify their status by demonstrating how they continue to utilize the Seal’s core principles to create an environment in which Latino students can thrive.