New program for parenting college students

Posted by on July 20, 2009

New Mommy Grads program seeks mentors

Although obtaining a four-year degree is one of the best things a single mother can do for her economic well being and that of her family, most face many barriers in the completion of postsecondary education. These include insufficient or unsteady income, a lack of financial support from the absent parent, an inability to pay tuition and expenses in the face of emergencies, insufficient access to healthcare, unreliable and expensive childcare, a lack of access to quality food and housing, and unreliable transportation.

These barriers – along with the loneliness and isolation that comes with being a nontraditional student — can act as a deterrent to educational success.

Mommy Grads attempts to address these issues for up to twelve single mother college students. The program’s mission is to improve the quality of life for families, by providing single mother college students with resources and supports designed to ensure academic success and economic mobility. The program’s services include assistance in applying for and using available benefits, assistance in applying for part-time or full-time employment, and creation of a supportive social network for single mother students.

Through this network, participants receive peer support from other single mother students and mentoring from professional, working mothers, learn useful skills in areas such as time management, study skills, budgeting, and small grants ($800 per academic year).

A key part of Mommy Grads is its mentoring program, the goal of which is to provide the Mommy Grads participants with advice, guidance, and a listening ear as they tackle the challenges of college life and single motherhood. Mentors will be asked to support their mentee for a full academic year (September 2009 – May 2010). Upon joining the program, mentors will be required to spend at least five hours per month with the mentee, with at least 2 of these hours being in the form of face-face meetings. Specific support will vary based on the participant, but in general will involve the provision of guidance around academic achievement, career development, and parenting.

MommyGrads mentors must have at least a bachelors degree, be mothers who are currently employed, and have great communications skills.

During the Fall of 2009, Mommy Grads will be targeted towards single mothers attending Temple University on a full-time basis.  If you fit this criteria, and are interested in becoming a participant, email Jamie Gauthier at Jamie@mommygrads.com or call 267-439-4021.