Lately I've received a growing number of queries from teenage moms who are looking for a four-year college program with on-campus housing for mother and child(ren). Although many colleges and universities offer special housing for students with children, my mail is usually from those seeking schools that provide other forms of support as well, such as
year-round housing, free child care, parenting seminars, etc.
The option I recommend most often is the
Women With Children Program at Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA, which offers not only housing (year-round!) but also ongoing support and special financial aid targeting this population. (Babies must be at least 20 months). See
Wilson College: Women with Children Program
The
Keys to Degrees Program at Endicott College just north of Boston targets both single moms and single dads. See
Endicott College - Keys to Degrees Program
St. Paul's in Virginia (one of the Historically Black Colleges & Universities) offers a
Single Parent Program for single mothers or fathers with two or fewer children ranging in age from two months to 9 years. See
Single Parent Program
For very strong students, Smith College's
Ada Comstock Scholars Program, which ordinarily is for students age 24 and older, will accept candidates at any age who have dependents. But program applicants must typically complete some credits elsewhere (e.g., a community college) before applying. See
Smith College: For Nontraditional Students: Home
I'm looking for feedback and suggestions from CC readers who have experience with any of these programs or with others that offer particularly good support for young parents.
Thanks!
