Caregiving students are those who care for adult dependents—such as elderly parents, siblings with disabilities, or other family members—while pursuing their education. They navigate the dual responsibilities of being a scholar and a caregiver, often without institutional recognition or support.

Caregiving students face a range of challenges, from managing their time between caregiving and academics to dealing with financial strain and emotional stress. Many spend more than 10 hours a week caregiving, which impacts their ability to focus on their studies. The added responsibilities often lead to missed classes, late assignments, and difficulty participating in campus life.

BCS provides caregiving students with a support network that includes peer-led groups, workshops on time management and mental health, and advocacy for institutional changes. We work with UCLA departments to ensure caregiving students have access to academic accommodations and financial resources. Our goal is to empower caregiving students to succeed academically while managing their caregiving responsibilities.

Caregiving students often go unnoticed by traditional student services, yet their responsibilities are just as demanding as those of students with minor dependents. BCS exists to advocate for caregiving students, pushing for policies that provide them with the recognition and support they deserve.