Dear Campus

Please help me! I came across your name while in THE BLACK COLLEGIAN about parents taking their children to school. It had to be divine fate because I have searched and asked about universities and colleges that have specific programs to assist single parents with necessary housing, financial aid, childcare and other expenses necessary for living on campus. I am a single mother in Texas searching for a university/college that
would be OK for my 4-year-old daughter and me.

I have no idea on where or how to begin this process. I would like to attend this fall. I had only one friend who went to a Texas college, and she has stated that she enjoyed the single parent amenities there. But, after visiting the school, I would not want to attend
because of the condition of the facilities and other noticeable problems there. I would like to stay in Texas, near the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, if at all possible, and attend school.

Please help!
~Starla

Dear Starla:

I wrote the article you are referring to a number of years ago. It was very difficult to find any schools with comprehensive programs that would include financial aid for the mom, day care grants for the child, housing for Mom and daughter, etc. At that time when I wrote the article,
Howard University in Washington, DC had the most in-depth program. I wish there were others. Perhaps your letter, included in this issue of THE BLACK COLLEGIAN, will re-open  the dialogue on the needs of parents with children on our campuses and prompt other colleges
with programs that formally assist returning-to-college moms to come forward.

Meanwhile, I would like to commend you for trying to pursue a college education with a 4-year-old daughter that you must care for. Hopefully your persistence and future success in
achieving your college goals will serve as a powerful inspiration for your daughter.

For now, you need to seriously reexamine and adjust your expectations of what colleges and universities are actually able to offer you related to accommodations, grants and services to moms with kids returning to college. Many colleges offer zero or very little in the way of any direct services for moms beyond day care (for a fee) and some on- or near-campus housing for
families at regular rates. That is why you are having difficulty finding this information.

The director of the Women's Center at my university has been investigating this need for more than a year. I shared my article with her and have offered staff presentations on career development to assist the women in this program. She has now hired a staff person and allocated space and resources to direct services to moms with kids on campus. Her office
also has spearheaded the development of a support group, and makes referrals to support services on and off campus. She invites speakers to make presentations on topics important to moms with kids and is researching other funding sources. This program is a good beginning, but it is still in the developmental stages and may never be in a position to offer the kind of financial help you seek.

I was somewhat disappointed to read your criticism of the one support service you were able to visit in your area. These new services need your help to make them better, as they probably have very limited resources. So if you are really serious about returning to school, reexamine
the college in your area that has already demonstrated an interest in working with moms with kids on campus. Look into their services with greater humility, understanding and appreciation.
Ignore the physical plant, if the educational opportunity is viable. Remember, it is you and your child who need what they are offering. Work with them, if they are willing to work with you. Unrealistic expectations can sabotage even the most worthy of aspirations. I extend my strongest words of encouragement to you and your daughter.

Sincerely,
Your Campus Advisor