“Democracy in Practice: Supporting Parenting Students in Washington” captures how democracy lives beyond the ballot box. For Communities for Our Colleges, democratic practice means shaping the policies and priorities that impact students’ lives — not just through elections, but through active participation in the institutions that govern our shared future.
This video highlights a statewide convening co-hosted by Communities for Our Colleges and the Washington Student Achievement Council, where students, parents, educators, and advocates came together to address the barriers facing parenting students in higher education. Through dialogue, collaboration, and shared leadership, the event demonstrates how community voice and public institutions can work hand in hand to advance equity and access.
Key themes include:
- Empowerment through education: Parenting students defining what success looks like for themselves and their families.
- Community collaboration: Colleges, childcare providers, and advocates aligning efforts to expand resources and support systems.
- Democracy in practice: Everyday people co-creating policy solutions that strengthen Washington’s higher education system.
At its heart, this video is a portrait of democracy in motion — where organizing, partnership, and public policy intersect to make education more just and inclusive for all.