Amarillo College President Russell Lowery-Hart refers to his school's typical student as “Maria." She’s female, first-generation, attends classes part time, and works two jobs. While she may have little in common with students who attended Amarillo College two decades ago, she is smart and determined and committed to bettering her future through higher education. 

In this podcast, Lowery-Hart explains how getting to know Maria—and understanding what it takes to propel her to success—has transformed his institution. 

Daisy Garcia’s small Van Nuys apartment doesn’t offer much space for her baby daughter to explore. So the 27-year-old college student brings her to a children’s play area at Los Angeles Valley College.

The area is one of the services offered at the school's Family Resource Center. The program, which also provides a food pantry and a steady supply of diapers, wipes, and infant formula, offers student-parents a place where they can attend to the needs of their children as well as their own.