(CENTREVILLE) – Glen Oaks Community College has received money to help student parents.

Glen Oaks has been selected as one of five recipients of a competitive grant from New America that will be used to enhance support for students who are parents through innovative childcare solutions. The grant recognizes Glen Oak’s commitment to addressing the unique needs of student parents and also underscores the College’s dedication to expanding its support services for student parents.

As part of New America’s Community of Research and Practice on Barriers to Supporting Student Parents, Glen Oaks will receive a $5,000 grant to collaborate on research efforts to identify and overcome student parents' obstacles in pursuing higher education.

This initiative is mainly focused on public community colleges interested in establishing or enhancing childcare support services, including on-campus childcare centers, partnerships with community childcare providers, Head Start sites, drop-in childcare services, childcare resources, and referral services, as well as scholarships, grants, or vouchers to help subsidize child care costs.

Tonya Howden, Glen Oaks Vice President of Student Services says the College is honored to be selected by New America for this important initiative. She says the grant will significantly contribute to the ongoing efforts to support student parents by reducing childcare barriers and enabling them to achieve their educational goals. Howden says Glen Oaks is committed to making higher education accessible to all students, including providing the necessary support system for parents.

The grant will facilitate virtual interviews with key stakeholders at GOCC to gain insights into the current state of childcare arrangements and how the college can further develop policies and programs that cater to the caregiving needs of its students.