our impact
At BCS, we are addressing a critical gap in support for caregiving students--those who care for adult dependents while pursuing their education. Research shows these students face significant challenges, including increased stress, academic hurdles, social isolation, and financial strain, because institutional support systems are not designed to accommodate their unique needs. Without proper recognition or resources, caregiving students struggle to balance their dual responsibilities.
highlights of our work
community
BCS has created peer support groups and workshops to provide caregiving students with a community and practical resources. These initiatives offer a safe space for students to share their experiences, manage their time, and advocate for their needs.
recognition
Before the Caregiver Student Initiative (CSI) was established in 2022, caregiving students were entirely absent from UCLA’s support systems. There was no acknowledgment of their unique challenges in any university services or policies. Our work brought the "caregiver identity" into the UCLA ecosystem for the first time, raising awareness among stakeholders and highlighting the urgent need for policies and resources to support these students.
research
We collaborated with the Bruin Resource Center and Student Affairs Information & Research Office (SAIRO) to conduct UCLA’s first-ever survey on caregiving students, revealing major challenges like academic disruptions, financial strain, and emotional stress. Nearly 60% spent over 10 hours a week caregiving, leading to missed classes and late assignments. Additionally, 62% felt isolated and unsupported by university resources. This data fuels our advocacy for better institutional support and policy change.
Our founder, Ashlie Dao, was awarded the prestigious Dean’s Prize in 2024 for the groundbreaking research on caregiving students, further validating the importance of recognizing and supporting this overlooked population.
We collaborated with UCLA’s Student Affairs Development team to host the first-ever fundraiser specifically for caregiving students. Funds raised are being used for scholarship stipends and program development to directly benefit caregiving students.
“For the first time, I felt like I wasn’t alone. The support network at BCS has given me the resources and community I needed to manage both caregiving and my studies.”
- BCS Member
the overlooked Majority
Research across nine large, public research-intensive universities shows that nearly 20% of students identify as caregivers. Within this group, there are nearly double the number of students caring for adult dependents compared to parenting students (Soria, 2022). Yet, most university resources are geared exclusively toward parenting students, leaving caregiving students without the support they need.