New grant will help student parents at TU balance their roles

By JAMIE ABELL on October 25, 2023

Towson University today announced the receipt of the $2 million Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The federally funded program supports the participation of low-income parents in postsecondary education through the provision of child care services. Applications are now open. 

“Over the past few years, we have increased our focus on holistic student success by deeply exploring the experiences, needs and success outcomes of various groups on campus, including parenting students,” says Vernon Hurte, Ph.D., vice president of student affairs. “The CCAMPIS grant will help ease some of the challenges they may face fulfilling the responsibilities that come with being a parent and student.”

At TU, six-year graduation rates for parenting students are 12% lower than nonparent students and overall retention rates are 40% less for parenting students than for nonparent students. A primary reason for the disparities in graduation and retention rates is the cost of child care in Maryland, particularly in Baltimore County and Baltimore City where 48% of TU parenting students live. On average, parents in Baltimore County spend $23,773 per year on infant care.

Anthony Skevakis, Ed.D., associate vice president and dean of students, and Elora Orazio, Ph.D., director of assessment, evaluation and strategic planning, crafted the grant proposal. “We identified a need within our student body and needed to address it,” says Orazio. “I’m excited to work with this group of students to provide them the resources they need to continue pursuing their degrees and reaching their academic goals.”

Skevakis shared that the CCAMPIS grant provides weekly subsidies to approved, accredited child care providers, including the University Child Care Center or off-campus child care providers for student parents of the highest financial need. Once accepted, students must complete their academic plan of study with their academic advisor, attend an onsite onboarding session, attend at least two educational outreach sessions per semester, complete a Clifton Strengths assessment in the first year, make academic progress and then reapply annually.

A dedicated, full-time program coordinator will regularly work with each student in the program to ensure they have access to other support services offered by the Dean of Students Office, including student outreach and support, the Basic Needs Hub, SNAP enrollment, financial education and transportation access. The coordinator will also facilitate access to the Counseling Center, Emergency Fund and the Chromebook Loaner Program.

“The CCAMPIS grant will elevate the support we can give to parents pursuing higher education,” says Skevakis. “Through the financial resources and services offered throughout the university, we hope to encourage current and prospective students to lean on us for support as they move toward their degrees.”

The CCAMPIS grant will also provide Care.com vouchers for weekend, pre- and after-care, a designated family study room in Cook Library, membership in a parental advisory group and a parent starter kit. The kit includes supplies for both the student’s and child's academic success, such as a bookbag, notebooks, pens, pencils and other general school supplies.

Prospective students can apply here.