Perspectives on Implementation: Challenges and Successes of a Program Designed to Support Expectant and Parenting Commun
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Perspectives on Implementation: Challenges and Successes of a Program Designed to Support Expectant and Parenting Community College Students in Rural, Midwestern State Natoshia Askelson1,2 · Grace Ryan2 · Felicia Pieper2 · Whitney Bash‑Brooks2 · Addie Rasmusson2 · Mary Greene3 · Amy Buckert3
© The Author(s) 2020
Abstract Objectives Expectant and parenting students (EPS) at community colleges are an underserved and often under-resourced group. In a rural, Midwestern state, the department of public health was awarded the Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF) grant to assist this population. This paper outlines the results of the implementation evaluation and offers suggestions for programs and evaluators working with this population in the community college setting. Methods We conducted a multicomponent evaluation utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods. Evaluation activities included tracking activities/services, surveys and interviews with participants, and interviews with community college staff implementing grant activities. The research team calculated frequencies for quantitative data and coded qualitative data for themes. Results Data from the community colleges and students’ self-reports revealed that EPS most commonly received concrete support from the program, often in the form of stipends or gift cards. Students reported that concrete support was beneficial and helped to relieve financial stress during the semester. Students’ major barriers to participation were lack of knowledge about the program and busy schedules that prevented them from accessing PAF services. Staff reported that difficulty identifying EPS and the short one-year project period were major implementation challenges. Conclusions for Practice We recommend that community colleges work to identify EPS, use fellow EPS to recruit program participants, and implement programming that works with the students’ schedules. Keywords Community college · Parenting · Implementation evaluation · Student parents
* Natoshia Askelson natoshia‑[email protected]
1
Public Policy Center, University of Iowa, 310 S. Grand Ave, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
Grace Ryan grace‑[email protected]
2
College of Public Health University of Iowa, 145 N. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
Felicia Pieper felicia‑[email protected]
3
Bureau of Family Health, Iowa Department of Public Health, 321 E 12th St, 6th Floor, Des Moines, IA 50319, USA
Whitney Bash‑Brooks whitney‑[email protected] Addie Rasmusson [email protected] Mary Greene [email protected]
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Significance Very little is known about the needs of EPS at community colleges and how to develop beneficial programming for them. EPS commonly attend community colleges and all EPS face barriers to graduation that their non-parenting counterparts do not. This study outlines results of the implementation evaluation of a program serving EPS at community colleges. These results highlight the need to conduct research early in program planning to understand the ne
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