Frederick Community College program helps students who are single parents

Skyler Sales
·2 min read

FREDERICK, Md. (DC News Now) — Frederick Community College (FCC) is currently one of eight schools that participate in the College Success for Single Mothers program.

It’s a program for parents like Lauren Tyler and has made a huge impact on her life.

“The windows of opportunity have opened for single parents,” Tyler said.

After Tyler welcomed her three kids, she decided to return to school but knew the task was not going to be easy as a single parent.

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“I feel like my passion for healthcare has never wavered,” she explained. “It was just a matter of overcoming some barriers as a single mom in order for me to accomplish my goals.”

That’s when she came across FCC’s college success for single mothers program.

“We know from national data and our internal review that community college students, parents, and caregivers are a large and often invisible high-risk population with high stop-out and dropout rate,” English and Humanities Department Chair Dr. Anne Hofmann said.

“Looking at the research and then taking the research to create some actionable items to be thoughtful about the students in the classroom and the supports that they would need outside of the classroom,” Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Benita Rashaw said.

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The program allows students to have access to resources that support them as parents while also connecting them with people who are in a similar situation.

“They have coaching opportunities and check-in meetings that are monthly to see if they can help me in any way and kind of assist in my educational journey,” Tyler said.

“So I definitely feel seen and heard and definitely feel supported,” she said.

With the help of the program, Tyler is set to graduate with her nursing degree in 2026.

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