UA, YMCA team up to provide childcare relief for parenting students
AKRON — The University of Akron (UA) and the Akron Area YMCA have teamed up to launch a new Childcare Assistance Program designed for college students who are also parents. The initiative is aimed at easing the financial burden of childcare so students can focus on their academic goals.
Funded by donors from UA Women in Philanthropy, the Childcare Assistance Program offers grants to enrolled UA students to help cover the cost of daycare at Akron Area YMCA facilities. Eligible students can receive up to $3,000 per semester and may qualify for additional financial aid through the YMCA’s resources, ensuring minimal to no out-of-pocket costs for childcare.
“We know that balancing college life with parenting is a juggling act for some of our students,” said John Messina, vice president of student affairs. “It was our goal to create an innovative program that would empower our parenting students to pursue their academic dreams without interruption. This initiative, made possible by the generous support of our Women in Philanthropy donors, was the perfect opportunity for us to partner with the Akron Area YMCA to help parenting students continue their education.”
The program stems from data collected through UA’s Campus Cupboard, a basic needs resource center that serves students facing hardships such as food insecurity and other challenges that impact their academic performance. ZIPAssist, UA’s multifaceted student support and advocacy team, also received numerous referrals through its Help-A-Zip process, highlighting childcare as a growing concern among student-parents.
Students who wish to apply for the program can submit a Help-A-Zip referral at uakron.edu/referral and indicate “Childcare Assistance.” UA and the Akron Area YMCA are working closely to make sure students are connected to the right resources and financial aid options, with five YMCA locations available for families to choose from.
With $100,000 in initial funding, the program anticipates supporting around 50 students. Students are not required to be full-time or meet specific financial aid criteria, making this an inclusive option for all parenting students enrolled at UA.