Non-traditional undergraduates and working adults are attracted to Penn’s Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science (BAAS) because our Ivy League degree offers the flexibility to fit class and study time into an already-busy schedule. And who’s busier than a parenting student
Whether the traditional path to college was interrupted, put on hold to raise a family, or previously seemed out of reach, our student-parents are proving that earning a degree is possible—even while juggling family, school, and often work. Their motivations range from new career ambitions to revitalized academic dreams to wanting to be an example for their children. And with the BAAS program’s structure and support, parenting students find they can thrive.
What our parenting students and alumni are saying:
Emily Hallman, BAAS, May 2026—expected
“Penn LPS online has given me the freedom to care for my two small children full time while also providing me with a world-class education. I could not imagine a better experience. It has far surpassed my expectations. … I only hope that other students know that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. I just turned 38 and have two toddlers at home. In spite of my non-traditional journey, I couldn’t ask for a better experience. I will be forever grateful for the way that this program has changed my life and made me feel welcomed, valued, and seen. “
Emily is a first-generation college student, a community college transfer to Penn, parent of two, and a military spouse. She is pursuing a concentration in Literature, Culture, and Tradition and plans to complete the Certificate in Creative Writing and the Certificate in Global and Regional Studies. Emily is considering a career in writing.
Katie Ann Conte, BAAS, May 2025
“Online education taught me to balance multiple responsibilities effectively. While caring for my family and managing both part-time and full-time jobs, I developed strong time management and multitasking skills. The flexibility of online learning allowed me to stay organized, prioritize tasks, and successfully juggle work, school, and personal commitments.”
Katie transferred to Penn after completing her Associate of Science in education at community college, where she was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK). Katie’s son, Elijah, inspired by his mother, was also inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at his community college this year—the same year his mother graduated from Penn.
Katie plans on pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Penn.
Erica Rose Adhikary, BAAS, May 2025
“The Penn LPS Online BAAS degree provided me with interdisciplinary learning, adaptability, and strategic problem-solving skills. Highlights of my experience included faculty mentorship, peer discussions, and real-world research opportunities.”
Erica Adhikary is a first-generation college student and working parent. She balanced the pursuit of her BAAS degree with a concentration in Organizational Studies while parenting a child with a rare terminal lung disease. She has a background in healthcare and advocacy work. In her final term in the BAAS program, Erica was honored with the 2025 Linda Bowen Santoro Award, presented annually to a LPS student who displayed unusual motivation and dedication in the pursuit of an undergraduate degree.
In August 2025, Erica is starting law school at the University of New Hampshire.
Heather Aspero, BAAS, May 2025
“After high school, I raised kids until a couple years ago where I decided to pursue further learning while working in the addiction/mental health field, which is how I ended up in the BAAS program. … Balancing work, family, and school has truly enhanced my time management and multitasking abilities. I’ve learned how to prioritize tasks, stay organized, and maintain focus, even with multiple responsibilities. … Through my study of positive psychology, I’ve gained a greater appreciation for the importance of self-care and mental well-being, which shapes how I approach both my personal life and my work in the mental health field.”
Heather shares that she faced many barriers as a teenager that made college seem out of reach, and that she devoted herself to the BAAS program to break cycles and create new paths. Her experience has left her with a sense of pride and shaped her confidence and drive. Heather graduated from Penn the same year her daughter finished high school.
Ernesto Encarnacion, BAAS, May 2024
“I started my university career in the early 90s. However, due to family illness, I had to stop, and it made starting college back up kind of a challenge for me. However… now that our kids are growing up and heading to school, I figured that the best way for me to show them the importance of getting an education was for them to see me getting one myself. … On a personal level, just the look I saw on my children's faces when I was leaving graduation and being able to finish this milestone in my life has shown me that I still have a few more to go.”
Ernesto’s journey to the BAAS with a concentration in Organizational Studies started with him enrolling as a single course taker in a writing class. The rigorous workload at Penn, he says, has improved his business communication skills and helped prepare him for graduate school. He is currently pursuing a Master in Applied Intelligence at Georgetown University.
Cynthia Gonzalez, BAAS, May 2023
“My nine-year-old son, Armando, is understanding when I say I have to be in class for an hour, but he still likes to pop on camera and say ‘hi’ to the professor or other students. I enjoy seeing all the family that comes on camera. That's our life as working professionals and parents. … I think [my graduation] will be a good example for him. He has seen me working and going to school—I feel that will motivate him to be a good student and hopefully go to college and find a profession.”
Penn's online bachelor’s program allowed full-time dental hygienist and parent Cynthia the flexibility to fit school into an already-demanding schedule. She found many of her fellow students were also balancing family, work, and school, which offered comfort and built camaraderie.
