Meagan Britain and Tristan.
By Margaret Cox
After learning about the Families First scholarship, Meagan Britain, a single parent and student at Winona State University, was awestruck. She had no idea that there was an opportunity for single parents to receive scholarship money to help pay for housing costs so that they could attend classes and support their children. “It’s amazing that Winona State University cares about nontraditional students in this way,” she says. “It’s a great relief, having help with the big responsibility of housing costs.”
Just like traditional students at Winona State University, single parent students are working hard to achieve a degree in their chosen field. However, they face several unique challenges, such as finding affordable, quality childcare and providing food and housing for their children.
Inspired by a Winona State University student who became pregnant and was facing this challenging situation, WSU Foundation Assistant Jennifer Hoffman teamed up with WSU employees Heather Martin and Mollee Sheehan to propose the Families First scholarship. “I was fortunate enough to have a student ask me for help, yet I had no idea of the government restrictions placed on degree-seeking student parents and how tough the journey to graduation is,” said Hoffman. “What we really want is to help those who desire a four year degree, to be able to complete their education and go on to become gainfully employed, contributing members of society.”
As a result of their efforts, the WSU Foundation granted $15,000 to develop the Families First Scholarship, designed to provide rent subsidies for single parent students. The first scholarships were recently awarded to three very determined, very grateful recipients. These nontraditional students demonstrated a high motivation to provide a better life for themselves and their children, understanding the difference that education can make in their ability to do so.
“Many of us are A status achievers,” explains Michelle Small, a student in the social work program and mother of two. “School is very important to us. The Families First Scholarship has given me the financial and emotional ‘back-up’ to become an amazing member of society that will do great things as a social worker one day. ”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, single mothers with college degrees can increase their income level by as much as 78%, as compared to their peers with high school diplomas. “I decided to go back to school because I was just plain sick of working low paying jobs that I was not inspired by,” explains Bonnie Hammack, a single parent who is pursuing a degree in biology with an ecology minor. “The scholarship eases the current burden significantly while I work toward a future of greater economic security.”
When Britain realized she was missing important milestones in her son’s life due to her hectic work schedule, which included three jobs, she decided to return to school and finish the degree in music education that she had started years earlier. “After graduation, I will be able to provide for my son with salary, benefits, and more time to spend with him,” she said. “We are so grateful for the opportunity that the Families First Scholarship has provided.”
Alumni, parents and friends can contribute to the Families First Scholarship by making a gift to Winona State University and designating ID1147.
News Flash!
Families First is pleased to announce the award of a $30,000 grant from the Bentson Foundation, Wayzata, MN, to fund the scholarship program. www.bentsonfoundation.org
The Minnesota Student Parent Support Initiative (MSPSI) with funding from the Minnesota Department of Health, provides resource and support to expectant and parenting college students as they balance life as a parent and a college student. The WSU MSPSI received grant monies from the Minnesota Department of Health totaling nearly $1M for services through 2017. The grant opportunities are available to students at both the Winona and Rochester campuses.
