Principal Julie Ajinkya Discusses the Increase in Advocacy for Student Parents with Imaginable Futures
One in five college students are raising kids, but visibility on campus and in policy has long left gaps in the supports and services that could help them succeed. A recent wave of legislation across the states signals this may be changing. In spring 2026, Virginia and Maryland became the 7th and 8th states, respectively, in six years to pass a student parent data collectionlaw.
HCM Principal Julie Ajinkya, and Jonathan Feinstein, Texas State Director at Ed Trust, spoke with Imaginable Futures about what’s driving this progress in two of those states, what it looks like to build bipartisan coalitions in red and purple political environments, and what funders and student parent champions can learn from their experiences. Julie emphasizes the importance of data collection, including personal testimonies from student parents, asserting that institutions cannot design support for populations they cannot identify.
“Today’s students are whole human beings, not just names on a roster. They have jobs, families, responsibilities.” Julie notes. Deeper investment—not just removing barriers—is crucial to adequately supporting student parents in higher education.