U.S. Representatives Jared Polis (D-CO) and Judy Chu (D-CA) have introduced the Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act (H.R. 2617), comprehensive legislation to improve high school graduation rates and access to postsecondary educational and career opportunities for pregnant and parenting students. Urge your U.S. Representative to co-sponsor H.R. 2617 as a show of support for young families. Call your U.S. Senators to introduce companion legislation to reduce the dropout rate among pregnant and parenting students.
Along with Healthy Teen Network, other national organizations already endorsing the bill include National Women's Law Center, National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, and National Network for Youth. The bill has the support of many state and local organizations as well.
The Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act responds to the high school dropout crisis in our nation. Pregnancy and parenting responsibilities significantly increase a student's risk of dropping out of school:. In a nationwide survey of dropout youth, close to one-half of all female dropouts and one-third of male dropouts said that becoming a parent played a role in their decision to leave school. Providing educational and related supports for pregnant and parenting students, such as would be available under H.R. 2617, can go a long way toward improving school climate for young parents and increasing their high school graduation rates.
Please take action today and share this announcement with your networks and urge them to do the same! If you have any questions about H.R. 2617, please contact Shelby Emmett at the Healthy Teen Network.
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