Texas Tech students met Thursday for the first meeting of a new support group for students with children. The program aims to both connect students balancing academics with parenting and share campus and community resources.
Three social work graduate students developed the program after attending a class on organizing groups to address the needs of certain demographics.
“We saw that parenting students definitely had needs to be addressed. Parenting students often feel isolated and don’t know what resources are available,” said Layla Schuh, organizer and Title IX employee. “We can connect them with actual resources while also giving them someone to go to for support.”
The four-week program will continue to meet on Thursdays in Room 319 of Weeks Hall, focusing on building a social network and educating students about their rights at Tech, such as Title IX protections for pregnant and parenting students.
“We’re trying to bring together a big group of students who can relate to each other and let them know that there are resources out there,” said Laura Coates, fellow organizer and employee of the Title IX office. “If they don’t know about them and if they do need them, it’s a good spot to bridge some gaps between them and that support.”
The group also discusses local resources such as Raider Relief or the Parenting Cottage.
“I’m a parent, so I have a soft spot for everything that is kid, parent related,” said Nana Gyau Amau, Raider Relief employee. “My work at Raider Relief exposes me to a lot of parents that come in with a need for various resources. Whatever helps students of Texas Tech have a smooth academic stay, I am for it.”
For assistance accessing services, students can contact Alex Ferris, Tech’s Pregnancy and Parenting Liaison. Individuals interested in future sessions can contact the Graduate Center at Weeks Hall or reach out to Schuh via TechAnnounce for more information.