Single parents need more than just one-time assistance when trying to graduate from college.
We offer ongoing assistance to eliminate the barriers that keep single parents from graduating.
Single parents face especially daunting challenges in their efforts to obtain a degree. Compared to married parents, single parents are more likely to have low incomes and have greater challenges paying tuition and arranging childcare. Because of such hurdles, it typically takes between 6 to 15 years for single parents to complete a bachelor’s degree; compared to an average of 6 years for single students with no children.
We employ several research-based solutions proven to increase graduation rates among single parents. One of the most important of these is supportive services which are the core and foundation of our program approach.
Our Services
Childcare Assistance
Childcare is one of the biggest obstacles single parents face while in school. We strive to eliminate that barrier by offering up to $100 a week in childcare assistance paid directly to the childcare provider on behalf of the program participant for each month the participant is enrolled in college Full-time.
Rent Assistance
Market Value rent is hard to afford on a limited income and decreased work hours. We offer up to $400 a month in rent assistance, paid directly to the mortgage lender/apartment leasing officer on behalf of the program participant for each month the participant is enrolled in college Full-time.
Social Services
Sometimes our participants may have needs outside of our core services. That’s where our social services help comes in. A licensed social worker volunteer offers education on resources available to single parents outside of our organization. This would include assistance with food, clothes, and car donations.
Budget Coaching & Life Skill Training
We provide empowerment training programs that encourage self-sufficiency and stability that consists of job-related training, such as career advancement skills (resume/interview preparation, job search skills) as well as financial training through budget coaches, which offers monthly one-on-one coaching on budgeting, emergency savings, debt reduction, and credit counseling.
Emotional Support & Mentoring
Being a single parent is stressful and emotional health is very important when it comes to academic success. Participants work with Licensed counselors to identify areas in which the participant needs emotional support and mentoring as pathways to empowerment. Our counselors specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, domestic violence, and other key mental health areas.
Check Your Eligibility
In order to qualify for our program, you must meet the following requirements:
In addition to the minimum requirements listed above, you will also be required to submit the following documentation (if it applies to your request):
- Each dependent’s birth certificate
- Most recent four (4) paycheck stubs
- Enrollment Verification Letter and School transcript: Letter must be on school letterhead; it can be obtained from the registration office or student accounts office.
- For childcare assistance, a letter from the childcare provider verifying the following: that they are a licensed childcare provider, child(ren)’s name, child(ren)’s enrollment, and weekly tuition rate
- For rental assistance, the first page and signature page of the lease agreement
