Midland College selected for statewide Data-to-Action grant supporting parenting studentsapril 06, 2026. | Midland College has been selected as a recipient of the Data-to-Action for Parenting Students at Texas Colleges & Universities Grant Program (D2ATX), a statewide initiative led by the Urban Institute, a nationally recognized research organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to advancing evidence-based solutions that improve economic and social well-being. The program is designed to strengthen support for student parents through improved data collection and informed decision-making. The D2ATX program provides Texas public colleges and universities with coaching, tools, and technical support to better identify and understand students who are also parents. By enhancing how institutions collect and use data on parenting students, the initiative aims to improve enrollment, persistence, and overall student success. As part of the initiative, Midland College recently participated in a D2A site visit that included a lunch-and-learn session with community organizations and a faculty engagement session. The visit was hosted in partnership with Theresa Anderson, Senior Fellow, and Ariella Metzger, Research Analyst, both with the Urban Institute. During the sessions, researchers shared key findings that further illuminate the experiences of parenting students at Midland College and across Texas. On a community college campus in Texas, approximately 20% of the student population are parenting students. The data also shows that parenting students complete credits at a rate of 80.3%, compared to 85.1% for non-parenting students. In addition, parenting students are twice as likely to take courses online, and 3 out of 4 are single parents. The typical parenting student is a 31-year-old single mother who is Pell-eligible, enrolled part-time, and studying online. Single parents complete credits at a rate of 80.7%, nearly equal to partnered parents. "At Midland College, we know student parents are among the most determined members of our campus community," said MC Vice President of Student Services Joseph Granado. "This opportunity allows us to better understand their experiences and expand the support systems that help them succeed, not just in the classroom, but in life." Through participation in the program, Midland College will collaborate with the Urban Institute's Data-to-Action Campaign, which is designed to guide institutions in implementing effective strategies for collecting and using parenting status data. The campaign also identifies best practices and solutions to common challenges, helping colleges translate insights into meaningful action. A Commitment to Student Success Midland College's selection for the D2ATX grant reflects its ongoing investment in student-centered initiatives. In recent years, the college has launched efforts focused on affordable childcare solutions, dedicated lactation space on campus for nursing mothers, parenting and pregnancy accommodations, and flexible learning options to reduce barriers for students balancing education, work, and family responsibilities. Student parents represent a significant and often under-supported population in higher education. The data shared during the recent site visit reinforces this reality while also highlighting areas of strength, particularly Midland College's strong outcomes for parenting students, including credit completion rates that closely mirror their non-parenting peers. By building on these strengths, Midland College aims to further enhance support systems that benefit both students and their families. Expanding Data-Driven Solutions With support from the D2ATX program, Midland College plans to implement several key initiatives, including: * Enhancing the identification and tracking of parenting students to better understand their needs * Expanding childcare and family support services across academic programs * Reviewing institutional policies to ensure they are supportive of student parents These efforts will be guided by Midland College's Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, which has a strong track record of using data to drive improvements in advising, developmental education, and student support services. Building on Momentum The college's recent launch of a childcare assistance program funded through the PEAOP Leadership grant highlighted both the demand for and impact of targeted support for student parents. Participation in the D2ATX program will allow Midland College to scale these efforts and build more sustainable, long-term solutions. By leveraging data-informed strategies, Midland College expects to see increased student retention and improved completion rates among parenting students, advancing the institution's broader goals of access, achievement, and student well-being. 22 Shares |

Scaling apprenticeships for Small businesses: strategies that work. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) play an essential role in the economy and innovation but often face scarce human and capital resources that can keep them from reaching their potential. Registered apprenticeships can help level the playing field for SMBs by helping them recruit local talent for promising careers in today's economy. Research also shows that SMBs experience the greatest return on investment from apprenticeship programs, but smaller employers are less likely than large employers to sponsor or participate in an apprenticeship program. Over the past three years, the Urban Institute has partnered with ApprenticeshipNC and Apprenticeship Carolina on the Small and Medium Business Tech Apprenticeship Project to help close the gap of SMB participation in the registered apprenticeship system and support the unique needs of SMBs in developing, expanding, and sustaining registered apprenticeships. Join the Urban Institute, Apprenticeship NC, and Apprenticeship Carolina as we celebrate the impact of this work and share lessons learned about: * what barriers exist for SMB employers to start or participate in apprenticeship programs, * how states and intermediaries can work together to support SMBs, and * promising practices and innovations that make apprenticeship programs more accessible for SMBs. Speakers: * Bhavani Arabandi, Principal Research Associate, Urban Institute * Andrew Campbell, Policy Program Manager, Urban Institute * Ashley Felton, Chief Executive Officer, Technically IT * Chris Harrington, Executive Director, ApprenticeshipNC * Amanda Richardson, Vice President, Apprenticeship Carolina Support for this event is provided by Google.org. For more on Urban's funding policies, go to urban.org/about/organizational-principles. We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodations or have any questions about this event. Date & Time Wednesday, April 22, 2026 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. ET Add to Calendar Urban Institute Speakers * Principal Research Associate * Policy Program Manager