Pennsylvania was awarded $150,000 through Ascend at the Aspen Institute’s Policy Acceleration Partnership to establish support networks that ease barriers to education for single parents seeking postsecondary education or vocational training.
Pennsylvania was one of six jurisdictions nationwide to be awarded funding that will support the commonwealth’s Parent Pathways initiative focused on helping parents access supportive services designed specifically for low-income families experiencing challenges that may impede postsecondary academic success.
“Parents may often feel limited by their economic circumstances and obligations to their family to take on the stress and work of pursuing education or training, but when we invest in tools and supports necessary to help them know that they are not alone on this journey, we can empower parents to invest in themselves and their family and take that critical step forward,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller. “This funding will help us cultivate these support networks in Pennsylvania. I am incredibly grateful to the Aspen Institute for recognizing the value in this work, particularly as we all look toward our economic recovery from the public health crisis and building a better future for all of us.”
The Parent Pathways initiative focuses on expanding access to postsecondary education and training partnerships for lower income parents by establishing mentorship bonds that help parents succeed in their transition back to school, supporting access to families’ essential needs, providing housing supports when necessary, and two-generational programming supporting healthy child and family development. The goal is to support innovative models that open doors and eliminate barriers for single-parent families, particularly single mothers, be it through postsecondary education or vocational training.
“Pursuing a college degree or credential can seem like an impossible dream for parents balancing the many demands of work and family,” said Acting Secretary of Education Noe Ortega. “This grant will help educational institutions and community partners across the state design Parent Pathway initiatives, break down barriers and create opportunities for adult learners to realize their educational aspirations while maintaining family stability.”
Visit dhs.pa.gov for more information.
