“In the end, the American dream is not a sprint or even a marathon, but a relay. Our families don’t always cross the finish line in the span of one generation. But each generation passes on to the next the fruits of their labor.”
~Julian Castro
AVANCE to College
Strengthening Futures Through Education
AVANCE to College, an extension of the Parent-Child Education Program (PCEP), was established in 2021 to support student parents in pursuing their postsecondary goals and to impact families' immediate and long-term economic mobility. In collaboration with local community colleges, AVANCE to College supports parents and caregivers – including expecting parents, extended family, and foster families – in becoming their child's first teachers at home while also introducing them to the possibilities and opportunities for continued education and workforce upskilling.
"AVANCE really exceeded my expectations by 100% because I thought it was just about topics for moms and kids with child care, and it turned out to be much more. Besides that, they also help you to excel academically. So when I realized all the programs they offer, even after AVANCE to College, I said, 'Wow, it really is more than I expected!'"
-Mayra Marquez, AVANCE to College 2024 Graduate
Why AVANCE to College?
By 2027, Latino/a students will make up 30% of the K-12 public school population.
Parents’ educational levels are strongly associated with their child’s academic achievement.
Many Latino/a adults have started but never completed a degree program, and many more have never even considered postsecondary education.
The AVANCE to College program engages entire families in the educational process, building on their strengths, nurturing family bonds, and empowering parents and caregivers with the confidence, knowledge, and skills to build brighter futures for themselves, their children, and their families.
How it Works
Through the partnership with local community colleges, AVANCE to College is offered as a non-credit bearing course so that when parents enroll in the program, they become registered college students with access to on-campus resources, such as academic advising, college readiness workshops, and financial aid guidance. Throughout the program, parents attend weekly sessions on campus, where they receive tailored support, including:
Culturally responsive parenting education based on AVANCE’s evidence-based Parent-Child Education Program (PCEP) and designed to help parents grow their skills and self-confidence in parenting.
Leadership development lessons that help parents build confidence and strengthen their skills in communication, planning, time management, and advocacy for themselves and their children.
College & Career Readiness lessons that introduce parents to postsecondary pathways, financial aid, career exploration, and workforce programs, along with individualized transition planning to support enrollment and completion.
Program Impact
From 2021 to 2025, AVANCE to College served 132 Participants, of whom 99% are Hispanic/Latino.
80%
of graduates were enrolled in education courses and/or a workforce program shortly after graduation
75%
demonstrated an increase in parent empowerment
63%
reported an increase in social connectedness
88%
demonstrated an increase in positive parent-child interactions
Ready to bring AVANCE to College to your community?
Implementing the AVANCE to College program allows partners to receive comprehensive training, recruitment support, ongoing coaching, technical assistance, and evaluation support. Contact us today to learn how you can leverage our expertise, resources, and support to create a lasting impact for local families for generations to come.