Graduate Student Parent Success Scholarship supports scholars balancing family and advanced study

Jennifer Maitland, a proud mother of two — Sean, 23, and Emily, 14 — is pursuing her doctorate in counseling and student development at Kansas State University. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, she understands the challenges that come with pursuing an advanced degree while raising a family.

Like many graduate students with children, Jennifer's decision to continue her education required sacrifice and uncertainty. However, the possibility of creating a better future for her family motivated her to move forward. She speaks for countless graduate student parents who say that balancing coursework, research, childcare and family life brings financial strain, limited time and an emotional load that is often invisible.

Most graduate students are between the ages of 25 and 39, when many are establishing families. Rising childcare and living expenses can make it challenging for students to focus on their graduate work, and some may find themselves at risk of pausing or dropping out of their programs. Hearing these stories prompted the Graduate School to ask how it could better support these families.

In 2021, the Graduate School partnered with the KSU Foundation to launch a fundraising effort for what is now known as the Graduate Student Parent Success Scholarship. Supported by the Graduate School's Accelerator and Education Enhancement funds, the scholarship provides up to $1,000 to help offset essential costs — most often childcare, but also healthcare, food, educational expenses for children and clothing.

Since spring 2022, donor and internal funds have enabled K-State to support 175 applicants across master's and doctoral programs, spanning every academic discipline.

For Jennifer, the scholarship arrived at a pivotal moment. "The Parent Success Scholarship came at exactly the right time," she said. "It did more than provide financial assistance; it offered me breathing room, peace of mind."

Many recipients echo that the scholarship's impact extends beyond its financial benefits. It offers affirmation, belonging and the reassurance that K-State sees and supports them as scholars and parents. For students juggling graduate school and family life, that recognition can be just as meaningful as the financial relief.

The Graduate Student Parent Success Scholarship is open to current K-State master's and doctoral students—applicants who have not previously received the award have priority. Spring 2026 applications will be accepted from Feb. 2 to 16, with funds distributed during the same semester.

Jennifer's experience reflects the heart of this scholarship: each award tells a story of resilience and possibility. Every gift signals that graduate parents — and their families — belong at K-State and deserve the support needed to thrive.