New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is planning on asking lawmakers to approve a proposal that would give on-campus child care services for single parents enrolled at community colleges throughout the state.
If approved, the proposal would establish the Family Empowerment Community College Pilot program for up to 400 community college students, according to ABC-affiliate station WHAM13.
Child care can be a key challenge for single parents who want to earn a college degree, Cuomo said.
Child care services would also be available on college campuses, Cuomo’s office said. Community college students who are single parents and participate in the program would have access to tutoring services and assistance in applying to four-year institutions.
Cuomo’s proposal is part of the Women’s Justice Agenda recently announced by New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul and Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa.
“We want to ensure that single parents are provided with the resources they need, including child care and career counseling, to pursue a college education and ensure professional success,” Hochul said in a statement.
Several community colleges currently have child care services on their campuses.
