FDTC Receives Nearly $2 Million Grant to Help Student-Parents with Childcare Costs
Florence-Darlington Tech (FDTC) students will have greater access to affordable childcare as the College receives nearly $2 million in federal funding to help eligible student-parents cover childcare expenses while pursuing their education.
FDTC has been awarded $1,996,768 through the four-year Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (HHS/ACF), on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education (ED).
The CCAMPIS program is designed to support student-parents by helping offset the cost of childcare, removing a significant barrier to completing their education. Through the funding, the FDTC CCAMPIS program will be able to accept additional children and expand access to childcare for eligible student-parents.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Florence-Darlington Tech to provide parents greater access to higher education opportunities,” Vice President of Student Services, Travis Gleaton said. “Childcare assistance plays a vital role in helping many students stay in school and achieve academic success.”
Eligible student-parents will most likely have access to childcare in the county where they attend FDTC. Students accepted into the program will be able to choose from participating independent childcare facilities located off campus.
In addition to helping with childcare costs, the FDTC CCAMPIS program will work with a wide variety of community agencies to connect student-parents and their children with additional resources and services. These partnerships will provide support to help student-parents successfully complete their credentials, whether they are facing academic challenges or other barriers to completing college.
“This grant gives us an important opportunity to strengthen the support we provide to FDTC students who are balancing the demands of college and parenthood,” CCAMPIS Director Melissa Cooper said. “Affordable, high-quality childcare can remove a significant barrier for student parents, helping them attend classes, stay engaged in their coursework and continue progressing toward their degrees.”
Student-parents must meet income eligibility requirements to enroll in the CCAMPIS program. However, the portion of childcare costs for which a student-parent is responsible will be determined using a sliding-fee scale, which can significantly reduce the cost of childcare for eligible FDTC students.
The additional support is especially important for FDTC's student-parent population. Many parent-students at FDTC are the first in their families to attend college and are working while pursuing their education. Nationally, more than 53 percent of first-generation students leave college within six years without earning a degree, while more than 40 percent leave after their first year.
Through CCAMPIS, FDTC will provide eligible student-parents with additional resources to help them balance the responsibilities of college, work and parenthood while continuing toward their educational and career goals.
Current students and future Stingers can find more information about CCAMPIS along with the application materials at fdtc.edu/ccampis.