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Childcare Access Made Easier for Low-Income IRSC Parent-Students with $989,464 Grant from U.S. Department of Education

Childcare Access Made Easier for Low-Income IRSC Parent-Students with $989,464 Grant from U.S. Department of Education

November 5, 2020 Suzanne Seldes

Indian River State College has received a $989,464 grant from the U.S. Department of Education in support of the College’s CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents in School) program. The new program is designed to minimize barriers for low-income parent-students who are starting or completing a degree, certificate or career training program at IRSC by assisting with childcare expenses. The College is partnering with the Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County and the Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin and Okeechobee Counties to connect IRSC students residing throughout its service district with early education readiness programs offered at local childcare centers.

 IRSC CCAMPIS Program

“As a result of implementing the CCAMPIS grant, IRSC’s Pell-eligible and low-income student-parents will have increased access to quality childcare services that foster childhood development and facilitate early education,” shares Dr. Prashanth Pilly, Dean, IRSC Business Technology Division. “This access will simultaneously improve persistence in the education of both IRSC students and the children of those students, bridging the disparity gap that is frequently observed in the education outcomes of low-income families.”

IRSC’s CCAMPIS program offers childcare and access to IRSC’s wrap-around services to students on a sliding fee scale, thus expanding childcare services to a high number of Pell-eligible and low-income IRSC student-parents who spend 20 hours or more each week in IRSC classes and labs, or studying. Applications are now being accepted for assistance during Spring semester, which begins January 6.

“The services provided by CCAMPIS will positively impact IRSC students and the communities served by removing barriers to parent-student completion of degrees, improving student retention and completion rates, and promoting students’ economic mobility,” continues Pilly.

Funding for the project continues through September 2024. For program details, eligibility and requirements, visit www.irsc.edu/financial-aid/ccampis.html or send email to ccampis@irsc.edu.

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