Pursuing a college degree can be a unique challenge for students who are also raising children. Without financial assistance, some parents may find it difficult to stay in school as they aim for a higher education. 

Henderson State University’s Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education that will provide much-needed aid to help “student parents” with childcare costs.

The Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant will provide $72,884 annually for the next four years.

“Until now, many low-income students could obtain scholarships and grant money to help pay tuition and purchase books, but not for child care,” said Patsy McWhorter, an educational specialist with the EOC. “Our hope is that this grant will have a positive impact on the retention and graduation rates of Henderson students.”

To be considered for the childcare scholarships, students must be Pell-eligible Henderson students who are parents and reside in one of the following Arkansas counties: Clark, Dallas, Garland, Hot Spring, Montgomery, Pike, Ouachita, or Nevada.

McWhorter said the EOC has partnered with various daycares in those counties to provide the childcare scholarships. Scholarship amounts vary based on need.

For more information or an application, visit the EOC website at hsu.edu/eoc, or contact McWhorter at mcwhorp@hsu.edu or 870-230-5602.