More than 50 West Valley College parenting students and 23 employees invited their kids and dependents to campus April 19 for“Bring Your Child to WVC Day.” Organized by the Office of Student Needs around a carnival-style format, participants enjoyed face painting,a petting zoo, airbrush tattoos, and balloon animals from noon to 2 p.m. along the Campus Center Walkway. The festive atmosphere was underscored by serious intent: encouraging community-building among enrolled parenting students, a group that grew to more than 300 in spring 2025.
The event aligns with WVC equity and inclusion goals by uplifting parenting students and ensuring they feel seen, supported, and celebrated, said Director of Student Needs Samantha Hernandez. Creating a space specifically for student parents, she added, supports our broader mission to serve diverse student populations and eliminate barriers to engagement and success. Staff and faculty were invited to attend with their families, further encouraging cross-campus connection.
Parenting students received gift cards and T-shirts, and children received goody bags. Among immediate outcomes, several students signed up for the WVC Parenting Student Club and others accessed support resources for the first time. Participant feedback indicated the event helped them feel more connected to campus, reduced their sense of isolation, and facilitated meaningful ties to peers.
Held twice previously as a joint event with Mission College, the 2025 event marked a strategic shift to focus exclusively on West Valley College’s growing parenting student population. Based on overwhelmingly positive feedback, the Office of Student Needs is excited to continue “Bring Your Child to WVC Day” as an annual signature event highlighting the college’s ongoing support of parenting students.
