Single Parent Scholars Program Awards Available DHS PDE

“Over the past 22 years, Wilson’s Single Parent Scholars Program has helped open the door to a college education ─ first to single mothers and now to single fathers, as well ─ whether they are 18 or 48 years old,” said Wilson President Barbara K. Mistick.

“That’s why this program is so special. It gives students the opportunity to achieve their dreams. And we know the experience of living at a college also profoundly affects their children and encourages them to follow in their parents’ footsteps. So it’s a very positive cycle for everyone.”

Governor Tom Wolf’s proposed 2019-2020 budget includes $5 million to support up to seven partnerships to develop and implement programs for post-secondary education and training for single parents.  The Parent Pathways model will focus on post-secondary education and training partnerships, housing supports, and two-generational programming that supports healthy child and family development.

In September, DHS and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced a Request for Information (RFI) to broaden the departments’ perspectives on existing models and explore potential opportunities to implement a program statewide that would help expand higher education opportunities for low-income, single-parent families.

Chambersburg, PA – Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller today visited the Single Parent Scholars Program at Wilson College to learn about the program and discuss opportunities to expand post-secondary education and training options for economically disadvantaged single-parent families.

“Economically disenfranchised families and single-parent households face significant barriers to accessing higher education or post-secondary job training. When you’re balancing your family’s immediate needs and trying to make ends meet, taking time off work to seek education and training may be impossible,” said Secretary Miller.  “Programs like the Single Parent Scholars Program at Wilson College are providing services and supports to help parents and families get ahead and break the cycle of poverty.” Parent Pathways model awardees will have the flexibility to develop a community-specific plan that considers the make-up of their community, needs of potential families to be served, and resources available to meet the needs of their specific community and families served. Awardees may include but are not limited to, community-based organizations or post-secondary education institutions. The goal is to support models that open doors and eliminate barriers for single-parent families, be it through post-secondary education or vocational training.

Wilson College’s Single Parent Scholars Program provides family-friendly, on-campus housing year-round to single parents and their children so the parent can pursue a bachelor’s degree full-time. Parents in the program can be full participants in campus life, including as activities like student government, athletics, and clubs and organizations.  The campus features a farm, creek, playground, and equestrian facility, providing opportunities for children to explore and learn. The Wilson College Child Care Center also offers on-campus care for children age 20 months through five years of age. “Giving children and families support necessary for learning and development and success in education from birth is critical to helping our youngest Pennsylvanians have the tools they need to succeed through all stages of life,” said Secretary Miller. “Programs like this can have a transformational impact on families, and I look forward to seeing these models expanded around Pennsylvania.”