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Balancing classes is one thing, but balancing classes with kids and work is another. More than 18% of college students are parents, and the majority of those students are women and people of color over the age of 35. For many of the parenting students, community colleges are the best fit for their schedules and needs. At Saint Paul College, these students have found a safe, flexible, accepting community and curriculum. Janell Bergman’s SPC experience is a wonderful example of success as a parenting student.
Janell Gets Her Groove Back
Since Fall 2024, Janell Bergman has studied at half to three-quarters capacity while raising a soon-to-be 13-year-old middle schooler. This is her third college try, and she has finally found success through a combination of on-campus, hybrid, and online classes.
Regardless of Janell’s chronic physical health conditions and neurodivergence, she is taking every opportunity to build her expertise and find success in the AA Transfer Pathway at SPC. Since Spring 2026, through the 2026-2027 academic year, she has been the President of the Psychology Club and is completing her work-study in Health Sciences. In addition, Janell works part-time at a nonprofit dedicated to addressing employment and skills training for individuals experiencing homelessness, an experience she can really relate to. This journey has Janell raving about how much better it has been to go to school in her thirties.
The Power of SPC
Janell has little support, especially since the passing of her parents. At SPC, she has found the acceptance and support necessary to build academic success. Take a glance at her reflection on her experience at SPC:
[SPC has] a brilliant student body, which is a direct result of the way that SPC celebrates and supports the diversity on campus, including parenting students. I genuinely believe this is because [the] institution invites students to look for similarities amongst our differences while also embracing our unique individual experiences. I hope that my contribution on campus can help other parenting students feel seen by the new “we belong” campaign!
Parenting Student
What’s next? Janell will complete her AA Transfer degree, then continue her education at a four-year college. For you, now is a great time to invest in your future at SPC, whether that means pursuing a new career path, earning additional education for a promotion, or simply rediscovering your joy in a new academic pursuit.