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Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller today visited the Single Parent Scholar Program at �鶹��Ƶ to learn about the acclaimed program and discuss opportunities to expand post-secondary education and training options for single-parent families.

Gov.Tom Wolf's proposed 2019-20 budget includes $5 million to support up to seven partnerships to develop and implement programs for post-secondary education and training for single parents. The Parent Pathways model will focus on post-secondary education and training partnerships, housing supports and two-generational programming that supports healthy child and family development, according to a DHS news release.

�鶹��Ƶ “Economically disenfranchised families and single-parent households face significant barriers to accessing higher education or post-secondary job training," Miller said. "When you �鶹��Ƶ ’re balancing your family �鶹��Ƶ ’s immediate needs and trying to make ends meet, taking time off work to seek education and training may be impossible. Programs like the Single Parent Scholars Program at �鶹��Ƶ are providing services and supports to help parents and families get ahead and break the cycle of poverty. �鶹��Ƶ ”

�鶹��Ƶ �鶹��Ƶ ’s Single Parent Scholar Program provides on-campus housing year-round to single parents and their children so the parent can pursue a bachelor �鶹��Ƶ ’s degree and participate in campus life, including clubs, athletics and student government.  The college also provide on-campus child care for students' childen ages 20 months to 5 years. The program, formerly known as the Women with Children program until men were admitted a few years ago, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2016.

�鶹��Ƶ “Over the past 22 years, Wilson �鶹��Ƶ ’s Single Parent Scholar Program has helped open the door to college education─first to single mothers and now to single fathers as well─whether they are 18 or 48 years old, �鶹��Ƶ ” said Wilson President Barbara K. Mistick. �鶹��Ƶ “That �鶹��Ƶ ’s why this program is so special. It gives students the opportunity to achieve their dreams. And we know the experience of living at a college also profoundly affects their children and encourages them to follow in their parents �鶹��Ƶ ’ footsteps. So it �鶹��Ƶ ’s a very positive cycle for everyone. �鶹��Ƶ ”

Wolf's administration is currently exploring opportunities for creating programs that support access to and engagement in postsecondary education, training, and family-sustaining employment opportunities for economically disadvantaged single-parent families.