HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) today announced over a million dollars in grant funding designed to make college more affordable for students with children.
The $1.6 million will help education institutions fund scholarships and programs for undergraduates who have children. Making higher education more affordable for everyone is a key point of Gov. Shapiro's blueprint for higher education.
“Today’s postsecondary students are more diverse than ever before, coming from an array of backgrounds with unique needs and life experiences, and it is imperative that we provide all learners with the supports they need to succeed,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “The Parent Pathways Grant Program will provide learners with supports to balance their academic and family responsibilities while navigating their postsecondary journey.”
The 2024 Parent Pathways Grant offers institutions the opportunity to apply for competitive funding:
- To expand parent programming, resources and supports or to implement parent programming, resources and supports. Funding can be used, but is not limited to, wrap-around services for students, expansion of childcare facilities, staffing salary support for parent navigators, transportation supports and other expansion of work already being accomplished on campus.
- For scholarships covering tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, childcare, etc.
- For the use of stipends/emergency funding up to a maximum amount as determined by the institution.
Studies indicate that one in five undergraduate college students is balancing the responsibilities of raising children while pursuing a postsecondary education, and nearly half of them do not earn a degree, according to the PDE.
Colleges and universities can apply for funding on eGrants from now until March 12.