At 31 years old I decided to pursue higher education. I worked and attended UHMC part time and by 34 I was extremely close to obtaining an Associate’s Degree. But something else happened that year that was unplanned: I became a single mother. Pursuing school while pregnant was tough for me, and I’ve learned a lot while navigating being a new mother with homework, class time and more. According to Higher Learning Advocates, a group that advances support for college-going, 43% of student parents are single mothers, and nearly 10% of all U.S. undergraduate students are single mothers. Pursuing higher education as a single mom can be challenging, but with the right resources and support, it’s possible. Here’s a guide to help UHMC single moms on their journey through college, including financial resources, childcare options, and self-care tips.
Financial Resources: FAFSA, Scholarships, Grants, and Childcare Subsidies.
The two main concerns for this pursuit are finances and childcare. Will I be able to find the funds for college? And can I find the funds for childcare? There are a variety of financial resources to obtain the funds needed to attend. Firstly, apply for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Start by filling out the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Visit the official FAFSA website (https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa) to get started. Then there are scholarships. Many organizations and institutions offer scholarships specifically for single mothers. Websites like Scholarships.com (https://www.scholarships.com/) and Fastweb (https://www.fastweb.com/) can help you find scholarships that match your profile. Here at UH Maui, visit our EOC (educational opportunity center) where the staff is dedicated to helping you find the finances you need to attain your educational goals.
Look for grants like the Pell Grant, which is based on financial need and doesn’t require repayment. Visit the Federal Student Aid website (https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa) for more information. Explore state and local programs that provide financial assistance for single parents pursuing higher education. These programs may include tuition assistance, childcare support, and transportation assistance. Some states offer childcare subsidies for low-income families. Contact your local Department of Health and Human Services or a similar agency to inquire about child care assistance programs in your area. Here on Maui our DHS CCC (Child Care Connections) office is located off of Lower Main Road in Wailuku (1063 Lower Main Street Suite C-209, Wailuku, Hawaii 96793)
Read this article about UH MAUI’s EOC- Visit UH MAUIs Economic Opportunity Center
Many colleges and universities offer on-campus childcare facilities. Check with your school’s student services or child care office to learn about availability and eligibility. Here, University of Hawaii Maui College and Head Start of the Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) are partners in the UHMC-MEO Head Start, a preschool for 3-5 year olds on the west end of campus. First priority for this free program for eligible families is to children of Maui College students. Hours are 7:50 a.m. – 3:20 p.m., Monday through Friday. Children must attend daily. A hot breakfast and lunch, plus an afternoon snack, are provided. This served me well for my first child who is now 17 however, as a single mother to an infant, it would be incredible if there existed child care options on campus for babies.
Consider asking family members or close friends for help with childcare when needed. Creating a support network can be invaluable. I personally have a handful of relatives and friends kind enough to lend a hand on certain days of the week in order for me to have a sense of balance and be able to pursue my goals. I am so grateful for this. Another resource is the ability to attend online classes. Ever since covid I’ve made the switch to online classes and I’ve never wanted to go back. It’s just more practical for a 34 year old single mother. Finding a support system truly intersects with finding childcare. I have a rock solid support system and networks of friends and family who are literally my rock. Without them, my life would fall apart. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed, however not everyone has a support system. I believe this is one of the keys to success and I can’t imagine otherwise. Surround yourself with people who truly love you and have your best wellbeing at heart. Single moms are a vulnerable population and letting the wrong individuals enter your life can have major negative effects.
Self-Care Tips for Single Moms Pursuing Higher Education
First off, time management is a big one. Simply put, everything must be time slotted and a routine developed. Make it a point to give yourself room timewise, like arriving 10 minutes early. Create a schedule that balances your coursework, childcare responsibilities, and self-care. Prioritize self-care to prevent burnout. I have found that the addition of breathing and balancing modalities such as yoga, and other forms of working out have really provided a framework for me to find more balance in other areas of my life. Some exercise modalities that are great for single moms are yoga, bosu, exercise bands and mini weights. These are compact exercise equipment you can use at home at your convenience. As a single mom, (or any human really) you might enjoy a weekly massage, doing your nails, or other grooming such as hair styling. Staying well by eating well, and grooming well can have a major effect on work performance. Staying mentally well is essential for success.
To sum it up, here’s a list of the fore mentioned:
- Seek Financial Aid, Grants, Scholarships and Subsidies.
- Utilize Child Care on Campus Options
- Seek Your Support System via Family and Friends
- Engage in various self care to remain healthy and balanced physically and mentally.
Remember that pursuing higher education as a single mom is a commendable endeavor, and there are resources and support systems available to help you succeed. Yes, you will encounter more challenges than not having children, yes you must be strong willed and determined, and yes you have the right to succeed like everyone else. The resources are there to be utilized and with a bit of effort, you can be on your way to achieving your goals.
