Designing Higher Education for Women Balancing Care and Work

This white paper examines the challenges faced by women, particularly 'sandwich moms,' who balance caregiving, work, and education. It highlights the disconnect between traditional higher education models and the realities of these learners, who often experience fragmented time and emotional overload. The document outlines how life-aligned design principles can enhance engagement by emphasizing flexibility, belonging, and recognition of lived expertise. It discusses the findings from the 2025 University of Phoenix Career Optimism Special Report, which reveals that many women feel their educational pursuits are hindered by their caregiving responsibilities. The paper argues for a redesign of engagement models in higher education to accommodate the unique needs of these learners, suggesting that institutions must embrace modular and flexible structures. Key recommendations include validating experiential knowledge and utilizing technology to widen access without reinforcing inequities. The analysis ultimately calls for a shift in educational design to better support women navigating complex life demands.