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Keys to Degrees: Educating Two Generations Together is designed for academically qualified single men and women, ages 18 to 24, at the time they enter the program, who are custodial parents of young children. Choosing from among the College’s outstanding programs of study, these young parents enjoy the opportunity to complete an undergraduate degree in an environment that supports their needs and those of their children. Program benefits include campus housing, child care placement and subsidy, scholarship support, and the full array of support services offered by the College.
Goals of the Program
The Primary goals of the Keys to Degrees program are to empower each young parent to:
- Thrive in an academic and social setting,
- Grow as an enlightened and committed parent,
- Earn a baccalaureate degree at Endicott College,
- Become economically self-sufficient in a chosen career,
- Become an engaged and contributing member of society; and
- Serve as an educational role model for other Endicott College students and young parents throughout New England.
Once accepted into the program, students live on campus with their children 12 months a year. The opportunity for enriching educational experiences for both parent and child while residing in shared year-round, suite-style accommodations on Endicott’s campus are highlights of the program.
As a two-generation program, all children enroll in full-time early childhood education centers or local public schools. Students in the program apply for state and local vouchers, which are accepted as payment for child care tuition within our network of early childhood partners. Students receive training on early childhood education philosophies and considerations for selecting a child care program and choose providers that best match their needs. Students who apply for the state income-eligible voucher waitlist receive a partial child care tuition subsidy through the program until they become eligible for a state voucher. Additional babysitting is also available for extracurricular college activities and sick care.
Participants are required to complete a mandatory one-credit life skills and service learning course each semester including participation in three community engagement events in which they share their experiences and successes with balancing college and single parenthood with other young parents, political representatives, and the broader community. Students also participate in academic tutoring through the Division of Academic Resources and a mentoring program. In addition, students in the program benefit from other College services including academic support, counseling services, family access to the student health center, career counseling, internship advice, pastoral and personal counseling, and a wide variety of student activities and cultural events.
Endicott strives to make the cost of a college education affordable for participants in the program. Eligible students receive both federal and state student aid (grants, loans, and work study) as well as institutional scholarships, fee waivers, and other in-kind support. In addition a payment plan is available for students with out-of-pocket costs. Students also receive support to apply for transitional assistance benefits and external scholarship programs.
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