Resources and Relationships for Success: Perspectives from Students, Alumni, and Staff of a High School-Based Parenting Program

OBJECTIVES: High school-based parenting programs have been identified as a way to support teen mothers as they manage their complex roles as parent and student. The purpose of this study was to describe components within a high school-based parenting program that support the overall success of the mother and child through the perspectives of current students, program alumni, and staff. METHODS: We conducted a phenomenological study using semi-structured interviews with current students (n = 8) and program alumni (n = 11) from one high school-based parenting program and staff from seven high school-based parenting programs (n = 12). Thematic analysis was used to identify essential program supports within and between the three different groups. Member checking was completed to verify that the final themes represented the experiences shared in the interviews. RESULTS: Four themes were identified supporting the success of teen mothers in high school-based parenting programs: Things That Make the Program Run, Basic Needs, Classroom Supports, and Connections Outward. Themes were found across all participants with comparison between groups revealing nuances in their experience and perception of supports. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: High school-based parenting programs need to move beyond providing traditional supports to focus on facilitating social connections, ensuring the basic needs are met, and utilizing non-traditional learning strategiesnull. Programs should name and measure strategies used to measure program effectiveness to understand the academic, health, and well-being implications for both parent and child short- and long-term.