AAUW enables low-income mothers to continue their education

Bridgeport, CT – The Housatonic Community College Foundation (HCCF) recently received a $ 5,000 grant from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to support low-income female students at Housatonic Community College (HCC) who are also mothers . This grant marks a first of its kind for AAUW, which until now has only supported students directly.

The grant helps students participating in HCC’s Family Economic Security (FESP) program. The FESP program, which was started in partnership with the Fairfield County Community Foundation Women and Girls Fund, enables students to better manage real-life challenges while pursuing a degree or certificate.

This fall marks the start of FESP 2.0, which aims to help low-income student mothers. The program’s financial literacy learning opportunities and comprehensive supports will help these women with dependents juggle their multiple priorities, including holding one or more jobs, while continuing their education at HCC.

With a mission to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research, supporting female students enrolled in the FESP program was a natural fit, says Felicia Keeton, president of the AAUW Bridgeport branch.

“The objectives of the FESP align perfectly with our mission. We try to focus our dollars on low-income students, while supporting persistence and continuing this lifelong learning journey. We’re looking to take a more holistic approach, and with FESP’s focus on persistence and enveloping services, this is a great choice, ”Keeton said.

The grant marks a new partnership between AAUW and the Foundation. By supporting the FESP, AAUW is extending its reach beyond supporting 4-year-old students.

“The good thing about the PSPA is that by being pooled with other dollars, we can do more, and it’s broadened our horizons. We are expanding by going to community colleges, we are expanding by focusing on mothers, and by doing a grant, we can be more effective. There are a lot of synergies here that make sense, ”Keeton said.

The FESP program was adapted from a national model developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Since its launch at HCC in 2015, the program has helped 413 students dramatically improve their overall performance. Thanks to the PSPA, students achieve higher grade point averages, complete courses at a higher pace, and graduate at a higher frequency. FESP 2.0 focuses on research findings that the real challenges of low-income mothers are significant barriers to success in higher education.

“We are delighted to forge this new partnership with AAUW,” said Kristy Jelenik, Executive Director of HCCF. “With economic security and education being two of the organization’s focus areas, their support for FESP fits perfectly and will help struggling mothers achieve their dreams of education. “

Through private donations, Housatonic Community College Foundation scholarships provide access to quality education for students who do not have the financial resources to pay for their studies and contribute to the region’s economy by developing a workforce. better formed work. In fiscal year 2020-2021, the foundation awarded over $ 600,000 in scholarships and student assistance to over 1,000 students. To learn more about the foundation and how you can support struggling researchers, visit www.housatonic.edu or call 203-332-5078.