Keeping single parents in college
Keeping single parents in college with grant

Comments Comment on this article2

By Susan Simpson
Published: December 8, 2007

State education leaders are looking at ways to help single mothers succeed in college.

A $9,775 grant from the Women's Foundation of Oklahoma will allow the Single Mother Academic Resource Team to research and develop resources to overcome educational, economic and social barriers faced by single mothers seeking a college degree.

Advertisement

The team was formed by the State Regents for Higher Education staff in response to estimates that 25,000 single parents are enrolled as college students in Oklahoma.

Erin Taylor Weathers, the regents' coordinator of academic affairs projects, said college degrees boost earning power, professional opportunities and self-esteem of graduates.

"It gives them an authentic financial future and demonstrates to their children how important a college education is,” Weathers said.

"It incubates a tradition of going to college.”

She said the state benefits by having more college-educated residents because single mothers aren't as likely to move out of Oklahoma, and single mothers with college educations are less dependent on government aid.

‘Many more challenges'
Weathers said single mothers need more than just tuition or child care assistance to be successful in college. Loans or grants for emergencies, such as car repairs or illness, can help keep a student in school, as can after-hours or part-time child care.

Colleges should make single mothers feel welcome on campus and connect them with similar students and mentors, said Jeanie Webb, vice president of student affairs at Rose State College.

Flexible scheduling and use of online classes also can help single moms manage their time, she said.

"Single parents have many more challenges than the traditional students,” Webb said. "However, they are much more focused and come with specific goals in mind. These students are dedicated and are driven to complete goals.”

Dolores Mize, a former state associate vice chancellor for higher education, finished her graduate degree at Oklahoma State University while a single mother. She said the time was rewarding. "It's only in hindsight that I can see what a strong example my study habits set for my daughter, who now is an OSU senior,” Mize said.

Mize is vice president for public policy and research for the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

"I can see what a strong example my study habits set.”


Toolbar sponsored by: David Stanley Ford
Bookmark and Share

Related Topics: Culture and Lifestyle, Social Issues, Education, Family, Parenting, Higher Education, Colleges and Universities


Comments

Thank you for joining our conversations on NewsOK.com. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.

Editor's note: It is not our intent to offer comments on crime or fatality stories.

Leave a comment. Log in below or sign up (it's free).

   
It's not just single parents that need help. My son in law worked for Whirlpool until they laid him off to move to Mexico. He and my daughter both attend college with a heavy schedule of classes, homework and parenting they are unable to work even part time. The state of Arkansas is willing to give them $10.00 a month in food stamps. How wrong is it to be unwilling to help those who truely want to be self supportive and build an honest life, instead of having or making multiple childen with no reguard to anything but your libido and taxpayers foot the bill?
Donita, Edmond - Dec 9, 2007 11:32 AM
Report as inappropriate
Wow, what a neat opportunity for single moms. I am a single mom who graduated from UCO a few years ago. I wish this grant had been available when I was in school!
S, Yukon - Dec 9, 2007 9:18 AM
Report as inappropriate