EPCC Launches Family College to Support Student-Parents' Educational Pursuits

• Author: Wilbert Raynor
• Posted: 2023-12-15

El Paso Community College (EPCC) is addressing the challenges faced by student-parents through an innovative program called Family College. This initiative aims to provide affordable child care options for parents, especially single parents, who want to continue their education but are hindered by limited child care resources.

With the launch of Family College, EPCC is offering a unique opportunity for student-parents to balance their family responsibilities while pursuing their academic goals.

Supporting Student-Parents

EPCC understands the difficulties faced by student-parents, such as Michelle Soto, a dedicated mother of three who attends classes while juggling her family responsibilities.

To alleviate the burden on parents like Soto, EPCC has partnered with the institution’s Children's College to provide age-appropriate classes for registered EPCC students at the Valle Verde campus.

These sessions enable student-parents to enroll their children in free, fun courses, ensuring their education does not come at the expense of their family's well-being.

Empowering Student-Parents

According to research from Higher Learning Advocates, student parents represent around 20% of post-secondary education students, with 43% of them being single mothers.

EPCC President William Serrata recognizes the importance of supporting student-parents, noting that they make up 45% of the college's enrollment. EPCC's efforts to accommodate student-parents include resource centers, flexible schedules, and expanded child care partnerships.

Serrata also highlighted the institute's collaboration with Ascend at the Aspen Institute, which has provided EPCC with a substantial grant to support programs like Family College.

Creating Opportunities for Success

EPCC has already commenced marketing efforts for Family College through various channels, including fliers, social media, and in-person visits to local community events.

The decision to establish this program was based on the results of a student survey conducted by the Office of Institutional Research, which revealed a significant percentage of student-parents at EPCC.

By offering a safe and quality education environment for students' children, Family College aims to provide peace of mind to student-parents, allowing them to focus on their own educational pursuits.

Future Outlook

EPCC is committed to the success of Family College, with the program set to continue until the fall of 2024. Program leaders will monitor enrollment and outcomes to gauge its effectiveness and explore options for expansion to other EPCC campuses.

The ultimate goal is not only to empower student-parents but also to create a college-going culture that will have a positive and generational impact on families in the community.

In conclusion, EPCC's Family College program is a significant step towards supporting student-parents in their educational endeavors. By addressing the childcare challenges faced by student-parents, EPCC is fostering an environment where individuals can pursue their dreams while fulfilling their responsibilities as parents.

This innovative program not only benefits individual student-parents but also contributes to creating a brighter future for the community as a whole.