Santa Fe College’s CCAMPIS Grant Creates College Opportunity for Parents

Press release from Santa Fe College

Santa Fe College has a new opportunity for low-income parents who need child care while taking college classes. The CCAMPIS Grant, which stands for Child Care Access Means Parents in School, offers parents financial assistance with child care while they attend classes. CCAMPIS is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and, in addition to the child care assistance, also offers parenting workshops and other resources to eligible parents through partnerships with community agencies. 

“For low income families, child care can be a significant barrier to education – especially during this pandemic,” said Dr. Naima Brown, SF’s Vice President for Student Affairs. “But with the CCAMPIS grant, Santa Fe College is removing those barriers to help students with children earn the credential needed to move their families up the socio-economic ladder. Kudos to my colleagues for being awarded this game-changing grant!” 

Parents living in Alachua County Qualified Opportunity Zones, located in East Gainesville and southeastern portions of Alachua County, would be given priority for financial assistance, based on eligibility. Grantees would be required to maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, participate in five hours of community service during the semester, and meet other requirements to remain in good standing with the grant. 

“This grant funding comes at a time when our student parents need it the most. To offset the high costs of child care, the CCAMPIS Grant features a sliding fee scale for several child care providers throughout Gainesville,” added CCAMPIS Interim Director, Stephanie Norman. “Rather than stress out about the high costs of child care, student parents will be able to focus on their studies and families. In addition to the financial support, the CCAMPIS Grant will provide support and assistance throughout the semester to ensure that each student-parent achieves their academic goals.”