Student Parent Supports: Helping Families Thrive At MWCC

Being a college student takes dedication. Being a parent takes commitment. Balancing both at the same time requires resilience—and the right support system.

At Mount Wachusett Community College, we know that student parents are working toward more than a degree. They’re building brighter futures for themselves and their families. That’s why MWCC has created a network of services, spaces, and programs designed to help parents overcome barriers, stay connected, and achieve their educational goals.

Whether you’re expecting your first child, raising a family, or returning to college after years away, Student Parent Supports is here to help you succeed.

Supporting the Whole Student and the Whole Family

Success in college doesn’t happen in the classroom alone. For student parents, having access to childcare, family-friendly spaces, peer support, and basic needs resources can make all the difference.

Student Parent Supports brings these resources together in one place, creating a welcoming environment where parenting students can find support, build connections, and access the tools they need to thrive.

Know Your Rights

MWCC is committed to ensuring that pregnant and parenting students have equal access to their education.

Under Title IX, students are protected from discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, recovery from pregnancy, and related conditions. These protections help ensure that students can continue pursuing their education while managing the responsibilities of pregnancy and parenting.

Students are encouraged to review MWCC’s Rights for Pregnant and Parenting Students resources, download the Title IX Pregnant & Parenting Brochure, and visit The Pregnant Scholar website to learn more about these important protections.

Monty’s Cubs Child Watch

One of the cornerstones of Student Parent Supports is Monty’s Cubs Child Watch, located on the first floor of the Gardner Campus.

Monty’s Cubs Child Watch also provides supervised child watch services for registered and eligible student parents. Students may leave their child(ren) with trained student staff for one to four hours while they:

• Attend class
• Study
• Meet with an advisor
• Receive tutoring
• Access other campus services

Student parents must remain on campus, be available by cell phone, and return immediately if needed. Students interested in participating should contact Student Parent Supports team for eligibility requirements, registration, and current operating hours.

Parent Support Group

College is easier when you’re surrounded by people who understand your experience.

The Parent Support Group (PSG) is open to all MWCC students, with a special focus on supporting parenting students throughout their educational journeys. The group meets both in person and virtually, providing opportunities to connect with peers, share experiences, and encourage one another.

Each year, the Parent Support Group also gives back to the campus community by organizing signature events such as the Toy Drive and Family Fair and the Dress for Success Event.

Students interested in joining can connect through MWCC’s student engagement platform or contact Student Parent Supports for more information.

Lactation Room

MWCC is committed to supporting nursing parents by providing a private, comfortable lactation space. The Lactation Room on the Gardner Campus, is available to students, faculty, staff, visitors, and breastfeeding spouses or partners.

Supporting Families Beyond the Classroom

Student Parent Supports also works closely with campus and community partners to connect students with resources that help meet every day needs.

Parenting students may be connected with:

• Monty’s Market campus food pantries
• Community refrigerators
• Diapers, wipes, and baby supplies, when available
• Lending library
• Community organizations and family support services
• Emergency resources during times of unexpected hardship

The program also celebrates families through initiatives like the Birthday Hut, which provides birthday gifts and celebration supplies for the children of student parents, and the annual Holiday Wish List, which connects generous donors with student families during the holiday season.

Student Parent Supports reflects MWCC’s belief that student success is about more than earning credits, it’s about creating opportunities for students to build better futures for themselves and their families.

By investing in family-friendly spaces, practical resources, peer connections, and individualized support, MWCC is helping student parents stay enrolled, achieve their goals, and graduate with the confidence to pursue the next chapter of their lives.

When student parents succeed, their children see what’s possible. Families become stronger. Communities benefit. And that’s why MWCC remains committed to ensuring every parenting student has the support they need to thrive.