Subscribe to MWCC News Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) has been recognized in the national report Multiple Responsibilities, Single Mission: Understanding the Responsibilities of Community College Parenting Students from the Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE). The report highlights MWCC’s commitment to supporting student parents through targeted programs and services that foster both academic success and family well-being.
At MWCC, the Student Parent Supports (SPS) office serves as a central hub for students balancing college and parenting responsibilities. Since 2009, MWCC has been a recipient of the federal CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents in School) grant, providing an average of $69,000 annually and supporting 296 student parents to date.
In 2022, MWCC expanded the support offered to students with the launch of the Child Watch Program, where eligible students can leave their children while they attend class, study, and access other campus support services.
“Supporting student parents is central to MWCC’s mission,” said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “These programs ensure that student parents feel supported, seen, and empowered so they can succeed academically while caring for their families.”
“MWCC’s recognition in this report is reflective of the commitment and dedication to our student parents, and the excellent work of our Coordinator of Student Parent Supports Ann Reynolds and her team. Being identified as a national leader by CCCSE is a tremendous accolade and a reminder of why this work is so important to our parenting students,” stated Jason Zelesky, Vice President of Student Affairs.
The CCCSE report draws on national survey data to understand the challenges faced by parenting students and recognizes MWCC as a model for institutions striving to create inclusive, supportive environments for this population.
For more information about MWCC’s Student Parent Supports and other programs, visit this page.
About CCCSE
The Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE) is a national research and service initiative dedicated to improving educational quality at community and technical colleges by strengthening student engagement. CCCSE research focuses on understanding the student experience and identifying effective practices that support student success.