Balancing life’s responsibilities is challenging—even more so for single parents. The Jeremiah Program in Boston supports mothers and children by providing a safe space to “study, learn, play, socialize, and cook.” Life skills training and resources for safe and affordable housing are also offered.
In partnership with the Jeremiah Program, Endicott College’s Van Loan School of Professional Studies offers its Single Parent Program and parent scholarships at the Boston location. Through the program, students are connected with resources like ABCD Head Start and Sitters Without Borders, which provides free babysitting to low-income parents pursuing a college degree.
Originally from Honduras, Sherry LaingHall ’21 enrolled in college to grow personally and professionally. She is studying business management and says, “the Single Parent Program has changed my life, because without it, I would have struggled to pay for courses. Education is like a breath of fresh air, the more I learn, the more I have to offer, and the more I can teach to others.” LaingHall received a scholarship, and through her enrollment in the Jeremiah and Single Parent Programs, secured a role with ABCD Child Care. “This program opened a door for me that I was able to walk through, and I appreciate the opportunity to develop my career path,” she says.
Rosa Nin A’18 ’19, also enrolled in college to advance her career and was a member of both programs. She said that access to free childcare made it possible for her to stay on-track with evening courses. Nin describes the College’s faculty and staff as, “…First and foremost caring—about me and my family…and that I finished and…learned.” A true success story, she says, “As soon as I finished my associate degree, I was able to switch jobs and earn $20,000 more.”
To support one another, student parents created the “Parent's Café.” “During lunchtime, they will explore courses, discuss opportunities, and learn about available family support,” says Marcelo Juica, Director of the Van Loan School’s Boston location.
“The Single Parent Program has changed my life, because without it, I would have struggled to pay for courses.”—Sherry LaingHall ’21
“Van Loan has a history of successful work with single parents, who are dedicated to their families while pursuing education as an opportunity to grow personally and professionally,” says Dean Laura Douglass. “One thing we hear from our parents is that they do not just want a better job, they want a career.”
This past summer, six students enrolled in both programs graduated from Endicott College. Currently, 13 students are participating and each received a parent scholarship.