SINGLE PARENT PROGRAMS: Wilson College and Endicott College

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1 SINGLE PARENT PROGRAMS: Wilson College and Endicott College The need for residential programs for single parents is supported by societal trends, including increasing numbers of children with single parents as a result of divorce rates and other factors. Such programs provide a leg up for the single parents and their children. For the female-headed households, a college education can rescue the family from poverty. In 2006, almost 60 percent of children in these households lived below the poverty line. The 2.3 million single fathers and their children are financially better off, but such programs provide them with an excellent opportunity to seek a college degree within a setting that offers resources and support. Endicott College Overview o 10 families maximum of single women or men and one child. o Age requirement years o Academically qualified; apply first to admissions and then to the program. Wilson College Overview o 26 families maximum of single women and 1-2 children o Moms can be any age o Academically qualified; apply first to admissions and then to program. Visit to campus and interview required. Highlights of Program Benefits and Resources Year-round housing accommodations provided Support from Program Directors; residence life staff and other services (counseling, career, Chaplin or religious life) Mentoring programs Special workshops and programs on parenting skills and other Student activities and cultural events Childcare services are either arranged for the students or provided at no cost Housing is suite or apartment-style. Kitchen, laundry, and play areas are provided as well as outdoor play spaces Special Support Services: Endicott At Endicott, includes Program Director and social worker Mentoring program involved faculty, staff, and alumni at Endicott Tutoring required during first semester and if GPA falls below 2.5

2 Special Support Services: Wilson Special orientation and participation in mainstream orientation Required to meet with counselor and program director minimum number of times Workshops on topics such as power of attorney, car buying, landlord/tenant issues, children in transition Study abroad opportunities provided for mothers and children Campus and Community Integration Endicott Students outside of program volunteer services: babysitting, leading play groups. Single parents participate in co-curricular and community service activities. Keys students mentor high-school age single parents and participate in a weekend retreat for local single parents and their children. Wilson Community members volunteer to provide gifts at Christmas for children. Students outside program babysit (Curran Scholars) WWC students participate in the same activities as other Wilson students program participant and commuter single mom spoke at convocation. Program encourages complete college experience and nurtures outside interests. Retention and Graduation Rates: Endicott College 2004 present: 17 students (7 graduated, 5 did not persist, 9 currently enrolled) 80% of the 7 are employed (nurse manager, medical assistant, social worker, teacher, accountant) 75% of 2010 graduates continuing their education Wilson College Retention is similar to other students Success of graduates is excellent. Careers include physician, attorneys, teachers, non-profit staff

3 Single Parent Program Funding Endicott Funding from foundations, corporations, alumni, and friends of the college Annual Golf Classic ($30,000) Kellogg Foundation Grant $400,000 to replicate program at Eastern Michigan University Wilson Donor funds for endowment to support WWC child care expenses Grants for some aspects of program Earmarks from Senator Specter for: Van, course on single mother activism, building renovation Program Outcomes Summary As a result of their participation in single parent programs, students: Learn to live and interact with other students and with other single-parent families Acquire the knowledge and skills that lead to employment and further education Develop increased self-confidence and self-esteem Learn to balance education, work, and family responsibilities Learn to become their own self-advocates Develop an understanding of the culture of higher education Pass onto their children, who live on campus, the value of education Issues to Consider: Conservative community response to program Lives of single parents can be complex: Handling of sick child or school holidays when college classes are held Custody issues Time management Community living is more complex: Clashes in values and methods of childrearing Interaction of children can lead to the spread of bad habits along with good ones. Clashes over common areas Testimonial The Women with Children program at Wilson College has allowed me to experience college, first hand, even though I am a single mother of a young daughter. Where else would I have the opportunity as a single mom to work towards my Bachelor s degree? Where else would I have the opportunity to play an active role on a college campus as a Residential Assistant, writing tutor, tour guide, or Vice-President of student government? I feel so fortunate to have been part of such a wonderful program!

4 Resources Higher Education Alliance: Residential Single Parent Programs Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, OH Berea College, Berea, KY College of St. Mary, Omaha, NE Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI Endicott College, Beverly, MA Misericordia College, Dallas, PA St. Paul s College, Lawrenceville, VA Wilson College, Chambersburg, PA National Clearinghouse for Single Mothers in Higher Education at Wilson College Wilson College s National Center for single mothers in Higher Education has created a clearinghouse on the topic of single mothers in higher education on the Wilson College Web site with the aid of a grant obtained through the office of U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter. The Web site provides information pertaining to single mothers in higher education, which can be accessed at The site allows single mothers to search the Internet for information and support to help them continue their post-secondary education by providing links to information about: Estimated Budget for Single Parent Program Program Director Salary $86,999 Food Service $17,588 Cost of Instruction $55,295 Academic Support $6,000 Facilities/Housing Operations $110,615 Training and Mentoring $15,000 Childcare Center Expenses $102,500 Supplies $718 Printing/Postage $626 Other Operating Costs $1,871 Subtotal $397,212 Scholarship aid for Parent Students $178,131 Total $575,343

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