Balancing college with parenting is not a side challenge — for many students, it is the whole story. Work schedules, childcare, finances, and family responsibilities can make a degree feel out of reach, even when motivation is high.

That is why Generations College built support around real life. And that work is now earning national attention.

In an August 14, 2026 feature, Inside Higher Ed highlighted four colleges rethinking how institutions support student parents and caregivers. Generations College was one of them, recognized for expanding college access through our Single Parent Scholarship.

A scholarship designed for real life

Generations College launched the Single Parent Scholarship in 2020 after college leaders saw a clear and growing barrier: the cost of childcare and the broader financial strain of returning to school as a single parent.

The scholarship is available to full-time, Pell Grant–eligible students who are single parents. It helps cover remaining tuition after grant aid — creating a path to an associate degree at no cost for eligible recipients. Students maintain eligibility with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.

Demand has grown steadily. This year alone, Generations College awarded over 100 scholarships.

The program has become one of the institution’s largest financial aid offerings — and a practical expression of our mission to help students live the legacy they want for their families.

Hope, backed by action

Chancellor Grace Alexis has been clear about the purpose behind the program:

“We just wanted to provide them with a sense of hope that, ‘Yes, you too can still obtain your college degree, despite the fact that you have all of these other obligations.’ It takes everything from the parent to make it work. They sacrifice themselves, their education and their lifestyle in order to provide food, shelter and the necessities for their children.”

At Generations College, more than half of student parents are raising children on their own. Many are adult learners carrying school, work, and family at once. Support cannot be theoretical. It has to reduce real barriers.

Why this recognition matters

National coverage from Inside Higher Ed affirms what our students already know: when colleges design aid and support around the lives students actually live, persistence becomes more possible.

It also raises a larger higher-ed question the article explores well — from scholarships and childcare to belonging and career pathways: what does it take for student parents not only to enroll, but to finish?

For us, the answer starts with removing financial friction, speaking with honesty about the sacrifice student parents make, and keeping the door open with dignity and high expectations.

What comes next for students and families

If you are a single parent considering college, or you know someone who is, we want you to see this moment as an invitation.

• Read the full Inside Higher Ed feature: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/college-experience/2026/08/14/how-4-colleges-are-supporting-student-parents

• Explore eligibility and next steps on our Single Parent Scholarship page:

Single Parent Scholarship

• Talk with Admissions about programs that fit your goals and schedule

Your responsibilities are real. Your goals are too. You do not have to choose between providing for your family and investing in your future.

Get ready to Live the Legacy with us at Generations College.

#GenLife

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That distinction matters more than ever. Across college campuses, AI has sparked a debate that has largely centered on academic integrity: Can students use it? Should they be allowed to? What counts as plagiarism in an AI age? These are real questions — but they’re only part of the picture.

“It’s important for our students to understand that it is OK to use AI in the classroom. … It’s really up to the faculty members to not only embrace the technology but help their students embrace it properly and train them how to do that.”
— Dr. Grace Alexis, Chancellor, Generations College

Dr. Alexis’s position reflects something Generations College has understood for years: that the role of an educator is not to guard students from new tools, but to equip them to use those tools wisely. The conversation around AI has too often defaulted to fear and restriction. What’s been missing is a serious, honest discussion about learning.

From Suspicion to Skill-Building

Like many institutions, Generations College initially confronted AI through the lens of academic integrity. Faculty worried — understandably — about students submitting AI-generated work as their own. That concern is legitimate. But Dr. Alexis and the GC faculty have moved beyond that initial reaction to something more productive: intentional, structured training in responsible AI use.

In her conversation with Fox News, Dr. Alexis drew a compelling parallel to a tool every student already knows: the encyclopedia. An encyclopedia can inform your research without writing your paper for you. AI is similar — it can help students explore ideas, gather information, and refine their thinking without replacing the critical work of learning itself. The key is knowing how to use it that way.

That’s exactly what Generations College teaches. Faculty have been trained not just to accept AI, but to integrate it thoughtfully — showing students what responsible use looks like and why it matters for their careers and their intellectual development.

Two Groups of Students — One Mission

Dr. Alexis has been candid about the reality facing today’s faculty: there are two groups of students in every classroom. Some students approach AI as a genuine learning tool, eager to understand how it works and how to apply it. Others see it as a shortcut — a way to skip the hard work of thinking.

The challenge — and the opportunity — is to reach both. Students who want to use AI responsibly need guidance and structure to do it well. Students who are tempted to misuse it need to understand what they’re actually losing when they let a machine do their thinking for them. Faculty who lead with curiosity and intentionality can bridge that gap.

AI Programs Built for the Workforce

Generations College doesn’t just talk about AI — we’ve built curriculum around it. Our AI-focused programs are designed to prepare students for a workforce where AI fluency is no longer optional:

• A foundational degree in AI theory, ethics, and application, designed for students ready to build a future in tech.
• Business strategy meets artificial intelligence. Students learn to lead organizations in an AI-driven economy.
• For the next generation of innovators: how to launch, build, and scale ventures powered by AI tools and insights.

These programs reflect our belief that AI literacy isn’t a competitive advantage — it’s a baseline requirement. The students who graduate from these programs won’t just be familiar with AI. They’ll know how to think with it, lead with it, and build with it.

Why This Recognition Matters

Being featured in Fox News Digital — alongside a Georgia Tech regents’ professor — is a meaningful acknowledgment that Generations College is not just following the national conversation on AI in education. We’re helping to shape it. When a national outlet with millions of readers turns to a Chicago institution for expert perspective, that reflects the quality of thought and leadership happening here every day.

We are proud of Dr. Alexis for representing our college with the clarity, warmth, and depth that defines Generations College’s approach to education. And we are proud of our faculty and students, whose commitment to responsible, rigorous learning is what makes conversations like this one possible.

Learn more about our AI programs →

FAQ

Q1: Does Generations College allow students to use AI?

A1: Yes. Generations College actively trains students to use artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively. Our faculty guide students in understanding when and how AI can enhance — rather than replace — genuine critical thinking and learning.

Q2: What AI programs does Generations College offer?

A2: Generations College offers three AI-integrated degree programs: an Associate’s in Artificial Intelligence, a BA in Business Administration with an AI concentration, and a BA in Entrepreneurial Studies with an AI concentration. Each is designed to prepare students for an AI-driven workforce.

Q3: How does Generations College approach AI and academic integrity?

A3: Generations College takes a training-forward approach to AI. Rather than focusing solely on restrictions, faculty help students understand how to use AI ethically — similar to how encyclopedias and research tools have always been used to inform student work without replacing student thinking.

Q4: Is Generations College accredited?

A4: Yes. Generations College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has maintained a 98% graduate placement rate. Founded in 1904 and based in Chicago, GC combines more than a century of educational tradition with a forward-looking approach to technology and workforce preparation.

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Before you can decide if it makes sense to earn an associate degree after high school, it is important to gather as much information as you can. The foundation of that information is understanding what an associate degree is and what is involved to earn one.

A typical bachelor’s degree requires students to complete at least 120 credit hours, which takes most students at least four years. In contrast, most associate degrees are 60 credit hour programs — or half the credits needed for the four-year degree. Generally, the cost of obtaining an associate degree is significantly lower than the cost of pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

Most college classes are worth three credit hours, although it is not unusual to find some electives and even some required classes in the one- or two-credit range. Degree-seeking students will need to complete a set curriculum of required courses for their programs. These include general education and program-specific courses designed to ensure graduates have a satisfactory level and mix of information when they enter the workforce.

In addition to the required curriculum, students can also generally choose from additional electives to meet the 60-credit hour requirement. Electives allow students to tailor their degree programs by focusing on specific topics in their chosen fields. Choosing courses that interest you can also help you identify or narrow down career specialties.

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS FOR YOUR COLLEGE DEGREE

If you are wondering how to get an associates degree, start by finding a college or university that offers two-year degree programs in the field of study you want to pursue. As you evaluate options, you may want to consider if you want to attend courses in a traditional campus setting.  Some on-campus options include daytime and evening courses, and you might be able to find classes offered on Saturdays. This can be a great option for students who need some scheduling flexibility but believe they would perform best with the accountability and collaboration offered in person in a traditional classroom setting.

Alternatively, you could choose to earn your degree online, from the comfort of your home and on your schedule. Many colleges and universities offer accredited online associate degree programs, where the course material and instruction are substantially similar to traditional, in-person classes and programs.

Generally, the time needed to complete your associate degree should not change significantly based on whether you take courses on campus or online. That said, some students find that the flexibility of online courses allows them to take a heavier load than they might otherwise be able to manage with existing work and family responsibilities. The result can be completing all degree requirements faster than two years — in as little as a year and a half, in some cases.

Whatever length of time you need to complete your associate degree, you should graduate with the skills and knowledge you need to pursue a career in your chosen field (or to continue your education by transferring credits to a four-year institution, if that is your goal.) To learn about the on-campus and accredited online degree programs offered by Generations College in Chicago, contact us today.

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Technology offerings continue to evolve at a rapid pace. Against this backdrop, more and more schools have begun to recognize that online learning programs can expand their reach so more students can pursue their educational dreams, without sacrificing the quality of education students and accreditation agencies demand. The potential benefits of online learning in college are many and varied.

Colleges that offer accredited online degree programs give busy adults the option of completing coursework in a way that best meets a student’s needs. Often, such programs allow students to view lectures and presentations from their homes and on their time, while still offering opportunities to engage with classmates and professors.

This flexibility can make a significant difference to students who are juggling multiple other responsibilities, including jobs and family obligations. Online degrees can make college more affordable, too, as there is often not a need to live on or even commute to campus. Rather than putting their dreams of earning college degrees on hold, online degree-seeking students can work toward their goals largely on their terms.

Of course, online learning is not limited to formal education programs. Some examples of online learning platforms you can pursue without registering with a college include Udemy and Skillshare. These programs offer courses in a variety of topics and use delivery methods, with some options available via video while others are audio or text elements. However, choosing to earn a degree or take coursework through a college or university online learning platform is arguably much more effective than such “do-it-yourself” options, as enrolled students have access to instructors and additional student resources.

HOW EFFECTIVE ARE ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORMS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION?

A key question students should ask when evaluating online degree programs is, “How effective is online learning in higher education?” It depends. That’s because there are many variables to consider and evaluate when trying to determine how effective an online program is (or isn’t) when compared to an on-campus program at the college level.

First, not all online learning programs are the same in terms of quality or scope. A college that had already embraced online learning programs prior to the pandemic likely has systems and technology tools in place that have been tested and refined by the school and its faculty over years of use — as opposed to schools that were forced to implement online learning tools due to COVID-19. Course instructors for online programs may also be more comfortable with the platform’s technologies than professors who were thrust into teaching remotely during the pandemic.

Perhaps the most important factor in evaluating program effectiveness is how prepared the individual student is for remote learning. The effectiveness of any online learning platform can vary significantly from one student to another — even when all other variables are the same. That’s because taking courses online requires a different level of organization and commitment from students.

It can be challenging for some students to learn and to stay engaged in course materials outside the familiar classroom setting. Students must be prepared to stay on top of the course syllabus and complete requirements as they are assigned; it can be tempting to procrastinate when there isn’t a sense of immediate obligation.

Some people also struggle with feelings of isolation from their fellow students when they opt for online platforms. It arguably takes a more concerted effort to find ways to engage others in a meaningful way when students don’t see one another regularly face to face.

Bottom line: Online learning is simply not the best choice for everyone. That said, for students who recognize and are prepared for these potential challenges, particularly students who are organized and self-motivated, online learning can be an effective way to pursue a college education.

GENERATIONS COLLEGE OFFERS ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS

Generations College in Chicago offers the best of both worlds for students — including traditional on-campus learning opportunities as well as accredited online associate degree programs in several exciting fields. Those include court reporting, business administration and criminal justice. Unlike many other schools that began offering online courses in 2020, Generations has been offering online courses since 2013 and launched its first fully online degree program in 2018.

To learn more about our online degree programs and to explore all Generations College has to offer, contact us today. If you’re ready to take the next step, apply online.

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It is important to note that mobile learning (m-learning) is not the same as “e-learning.” E-learning refers to instruction delivered online, with students participating using their desktop or laptop computers. E-learning is generally structured to deliver in-depth information to students. E-learning is often used to impart information students may not use in practice until some point in the (potentially distant) future.

In contrast, m-learning refers to lessons or materials accessed using mobile phones or tablets. Information taught using m-learning is often concise snippets that the student is expected to use relatively quickly after the lesson is completed.

ADVANTAGES OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION

The benefits of m-learning include the following:

• Learn anywhere: With mobile-learning technologies, students no longer need to be tethered to their desks. They can learn on the go from virtually anywhere, as long as they have a compatible device and Internet connectivity.
• Ease of use: For the most part, today’s college students are comfortable using their mobile devices for all kinds of day-to-day tasks. It seems a natural extension to use them for distance-learning.
• Content variety: M-learning may include images, video files and audio files, helping drive engagement and participation.
• Higher retention: By keeping students motivated during lessons, chances are higher that they will retain more information.
• Learn across devices: Lessons designed for mobile learning can often be started on one device and completed on another, removing potential barriers and making it easier for students to complete their work.

POTENTIAL USES FOR MOBILE LEARNING

M-learning is becoming increasingly popular in the workforce, in a variety of industries and job functions. Employers recognize the benefits of providing compliance training, policy updates or continuing education on the go.

In education, m-learning is also growing in popularity. Some instructors rely on mobile learning platforms as a means for students to complete and submit homework assignments.

Instructors can also use m-learning to interact with students, using built-in discussion forums, through messaging capabilities, or by conducting mobile surveys periodically or at the end of each lesson.

IS MOBILE LEARNING RIGHT FOR YOUR CURRICULUM?

As you can see, there are many potential uses and advantages of mobile learning in education. Of course, there is never a “one-size-fits-all” solution when it comes to teaching, so it is important to explore various options and make informed decisions about distance-learning methods.

At Generations College in Chicago, we are proud to offer several fully online associate degree programs, helping working adults realize their dreams of finishing college. Contact us to learn more about our programs, about the advantages of m-learning, or for help setting up remote-learning!

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To help you decide which educational path to choose, we’ve compiled the following list of the top six benefits of an associate degree:

1. Join the Workforce Quickly

The time needed to complete a typical associate degree is two years, faster in some cases. When you compare that with four or more years necessary to earn a bachelor’s degree, it is obvious that earning your associate degree means you can be in the workforce, putting your degree to work for you, sooner.

2. Many Education Options

If you choose to pursue your associate degree, there are abundant options for where to study. Most colleges and universities offer two-year associate degree programs. In addition, community colleges and other schools that focus solely on associate degree curriculum are solid choices (and often more economical than four-year institutions).

3. Flexible Learning

Many colleges, including Generations College, give students the ability to earn associate degrees partially or entirely online. For working adults with other obligations, this is a significant benefit. Being able to take classes online day or night, from the comfort of their homes or office, can make earning a college degree a more realistic possibility.

4. More Cost-Effective

Associate degree programs generally cost less — sometimes significantly less — than the cost of earning a bachelor’s degree. When factoring in the convenience and cost savings that come with online learning, associate degrees become even more economical.

5. Increase Your Earning Potential and Employability

Choosing a course of study and pursuing an associate degree shows employers you have the drive and dedication to stick to a rigorous course of study. Many employers prefer candidates with associate degrees over those with just a high school education. This is particularly true in fields such as criminal justice, business administration, court reporting and paralegal studies.

6. Can Continue on to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

One of the most understated benefits of getting an associate degree before a bachelor’s degree is that it is not an either/or proposition. That is to say, many students begin by earning their associate degrees, but then go on to apply that knowledge to bachelor’s degree programs at four-year institutions. This gives students a more economical way to earn their degrees, while providing the greatest flexibility to join the workforce after two years or continue with a bachelor’s degree.

7. Explore Generations College’s Associate Degree Programs

At Generations College in Chicago, we offer fully accredited Associate of Science degree programs in court reporting, criminal justice, business administration and paralegal studies.

Each of our degree programs is designed to prepare students to join the workforce in their chosen career right after graduation. Of course, another option some graduates choose is transferring their credits to a four-year college or university to earn their bachelor’s degrees, using their Generations College education as a steppingstone on their educational paths.

To learn more about all Generations College has to offer, contact us today.

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Are you asking yourself, “Why should I register to vote?” If so, here are some of the most compelling reasons to register and go to the polls on election day:

• Help to shape policies that will impact your generation and future generations. Whether you’re voting for a presidential candidate, a U.S. Senator or member of the U.S. House of Representatives, or you’re voting for a local official, candidates have different opinions, goals and plans for how to govern most effectively. Some of these plans vary widely from one another. When you become educated about candidates’ stances on health care, human rights, immigration, education and more, you can help bring about change by voting for candidates whose views match yours. Many young voters don’t understand just how powerful a force their generation can be. If more millennials turned out to vote, their collective voice could shape the political landscape in long-lasting and meaningful ways.
• It’s easier than ever to connect with candidates to learn about their platforms. In today’s digital age, not understanding what a candidate stands for is not an excuse to stay away from the polls on election day. Most candidates today maintain social media presences, and informative articles and policy analyses are plentiful online. This ease of access to information, and the opportunity to engage and interact with candidates for political office, helps ensure voters make more informed decisions.
• Your vote DOES matter. Sometimes, there is a perception that it’s OK to skip voting on election day, because one little vote really doesn’t make a difference. However, time and time again, candidates are winning and losing elections by slim margins, often triggering recounts and legal challenges. The truth is, in today’s politically divided climate, your vote matters more than ever.

EASY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN CHICAGO (OR ANYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES!)

If you know you should vote but just aren’t sure how to go about it, you may be surprised to learn that registering to vote is fast and easy.

In Chicago

In Chicago, you can register to vote online, by mail, or in person at the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State or at a Deputy Registrar’s office ahead of election day. You can also register to vote at the polls if you choose early voting or at your precinct’s polling place on election day. Visit the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners’ website for more details, deadlines and links.

In Greater Illinois

If you live outside Cook County, you can visit the State Board of Elections’ Online Voter Application website to register to vote for the first time or to check your voter registration status.

Outside Illinois

For students who live and attend college in Illinois, but still call another state “home,” it is also simple to register to vote in other states online.

After completing voter registration, use the sites noted above to find your local polling place, learn about casting absentee ballots and much more.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO ENCOURAGING AND EQUIPPING STUDENTS TO VOTE

With popular degree programs related to the political process — including paralegal studies and criminal justice — Generations College has an interest in seeing its student body become engaged in the political process. When students exercise their constitutionally granted privilege to vote for local officials and national representatives, they are doing their part to help ensure their rights and voices are heard, and that our democracy remains strong.

Are you ready to learn more? Contact Generations College today!

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Whether your dream is to work with clients in a law firm, behind the scenes conducting legal research, or in the legal department at a major corporation, the paralegal career path offers motivated adults the ability to make a difference in people’s lives. Becoming a paralegal takes some discipline and a commitment to embark on and complete a rigorous course of study. The benefits can be well-worth the work.

Here are seven of the top reasons to consider pursuing your paralegal studies degree:

1. Compensation: While compensation for paralegals can vary depending on the type of work environment, the area of the country, industry segment and other factors, paralegals are typically compensated well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for paralegals in the United States in 2018 was $50,940, or $24.49 per hour. The highest 10 percent of employed paralegals earned $82,050 per year in 2018.
2. Education: Paralegals who pursue associate degree programs can be confident they’re getting a solid grounding in the information and skills employers in the legal industry expect them to have. With a paralegal studies degree, you can complete your training in less than two years, learning what you need to succeed on the job. Look for a program that offers hands-on learning opportunities and internships, to help you explore career options first-hand while you’re still in school.
3. Steppingstone to continue legal education: Some paralegals enjoy their coursework so much they decide to continue their educations and become attorneys. While they still have to complete law school coursework and pass applicable states’ bar exams, people coming from the paralegal track definitely have a solid foundation in legal systems, legal research and writing, theory, and more that can help them succeed during law school and beyond.
4. Strong employment outlook: Paralegals enjoy job security today, and forecasts point to a continued strong employment outlook in the years to come. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of paralegal job openings is expected to grow by an astonishing 15 percent by 2026 — much faster than the average for all jobs.
5. Prestigious career: Decades ago, paralegals were often looked at as little more than attorneys’ secretaries. Thankfully, that has changed over time. As firms and corporations continue to recognize the value paralegals bring, work assignments have grown in complexity and challenge. Paralegals today handle legal research, writing tasks and client communications; manage investigations and interviews; and much more. Paralegals are skilled professionals capable of handling a wide variety of legal matters.
6. Diversity of work environments: Just as lawyers have versatile options when it comes to their work environments, so too do paralegals. You could choose to work in the corporate legal department for a large or small company. Instead, you might take the traditional law firm route, helping attorneys who focus on certain legal practice areas. Some paralegals decide to go with self-employment, freelancing and making their own schedules.
7. Fast entry into the legal profession: Where going to law school to become a lawyer takes a grueling three to four years — plus studying for and passing a state bar exam, in most cases — becoming a paralegal is much faster. Many students who earn associate degrees in paralegal studies can do so in about two years’ time.

Please note that paralegals may not practice law or otherwise provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

Are you ready to explore whether this exciting career path might be right for you? Contact Generations College today to take the first step toward becoming a paralegal.

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