EPCC's Family College Initiative Supports Student-Parents in Achieving Educational Goals

EPCC (El Paso Community College) is revolutionizing access to education for student-parents through its groundbreaking Family College initiative.

Recognizing the challenges faced by parents who desire to pursue higher education while raising children, EPCC has developed a comprehensive program that provides affordable child care options.

Family College enables student-parents to balance their familial responsibilities with their academic aspirations, empowering them to achieve success.
 

Empowering Student-Parents

EPCC understands the unique needs of student-parents and strives to provide comprehensive support systems. By partnering with the Children's College at the Valle Verde campus, EPCC offers registered students the opportunity to enroll their children in age-appropriate courses free of charge.

This ensures that student-parents can focus on their studies without worrying about the well-being and education of their children.

Addressing Student-Parent Representation

Research conducted by Higher Learning Advocates indicates that student-parents constitute 20% of post-secondary education students, with single mothers representing 43% of this population.

EPCC President William Serrata acknowledges the significance of these statistics, as student-parents account for 45% of EPCC's enrollment. To tackle the challenges faced by these students, EPCC has implemented resource centers, flexible scheduling options, and strengthened partnerships with child care facilities.

The institute has also collaborated with Ascend at the Aspen Institute, which has provided funding to support initiatives like Family College.

Enabling Success

EPCC is actively promoting Family College through various channels, including social media, fliers, and community engagement initiatives.

To establish the program's viability, EPCC conducted a student survey through the Office of Institutional Research, revealing a notable percentage of student-parents within the college community.

By offering quality child care services, Family College aims to provide student-parents with peace of mind to focus on their educational pursuits.

Looking Ahead

EPCC's commitment to supporting student-parents extends beyond the initiation of Family College. The program is set to continue until fall 2024, during which time EPCC will monitor enrollment rates and assess outcomes.

These evaluations will inform potential expansion plans to accommodate student-parents across other EPCC campuses. Ultimately, the goal is to create a culture of educational attainment that will positively impact families and the wider community for generations to come.

In conclusion, EPCC's pioneering Family College initiative is revolutionizing access to education for student-parents.

By addressing the child care challenges faced by these individuals, EPCC is empowering student-parents to pursue their educational ambitions without compromising their responsibilities as parents. The Family College program not only supports individual student-parents but also fosters a brighter future for the community at large.