U.S. Department of Education Awards Nearly $9.2 Million in Grants to Support Campus-Based Child Care Services for Low-Income Students

Press Release

To support the participation of more low-income parents in higher education, the U.S. Department of Education today awarded nearly $9.2 million to 58 postsecondary institutions to establish or support campus-based child care services.

"Peace of mind is an important factor in student success," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "These grants help parents stay focused on their studies and graduation goals. The funding is part of the Department's overall effort to support parenting students so that they can build better lives for themselves and their children."

Funded under the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program, awards can be used for child care services for all age groups: infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, as well as before and after-school care for school-age children. Students eligible to receive services for their children through CCAMPIS must be eligible for Pell grants, which are awarded based on financial need. In addition to using a sliding fee scale for the services, some grantees require students to attend parent workshops and take part in academic counseling to maximize their prospects for success in completing their higher education studies.

This year, to align with the Department's overall priorities for higher education, applicants were also encouraged to include support for military families.

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