HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania is awarding more than $1.6 million in grants to colleges and universities to help parents pursue higher education by covering costs and expanding support services.
What This Means for You
- Parents attending college can receive financial and support services
- Grants fund child care, emergency aid, and tuition assistance
- More colleges are expanding programs for parenting students
The Parent Pathways grant program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, provides funding to institutions to support students who are raising children while enrolled in college. Wrap-around services — defined as additional supports beyond tuition, such as child care, transportation, and advising — are included to help students stay enrolled and complete their degrees.
Officials said the latest round of funding builds on ongoing efforts to make higher education more accessible and affordable.
How the Grant Program Works
Parent Pathways grants are awarded competitively to colleges and universities to expand or create programs for parenting students.
Funding can be used for:
- Tuition, housing, meals, books, and child care costs
- Emergency financial assistance for unexpected expenses
- Staffing support, such as parent navigators who help students access resources
- Expansion of child care facilities and transportation services
Since 2024, the program has invested more than $3.2 million across 23 institutions. With the latest awards, total funding exceeds $4.8 million distributed to 34 institutions over three years.
Schools Receiving Funding
The following institutions received grants in the latest round:
Allegheny County
- Community College of Allegheny County — $150,000
- Point Park University — $150,000
Berks County
- Reading Area Community College — $150,000
Bucks County
- Bucks County Community College — $150,000
Delaware County
- Eastern University — $150,000
- Pennsylvania Institute of Technology — $144,600
Lycoming County
- Pennsylvania College of Technology — $150,000
Northampton County
- Northampton Community College — $150,000
Philadelphia County
- Chestnut Hill College — $150,000
- Saint Joseph’s University — $150,000
Westmoreland County
- Seton Hill University — $150,000
Focus on Access and Completion
State officials said parenting students often face additional barriers to completing college, including financial strain and limited access to child care.
“One of our top priorities is making sure all students have the opportunity to achieve their educational goals,” said Deputy Secretary and Commissioner for Higher Education Dr. Lynette Kuhn.
College leaders said the funding will help address those barriers directly.
“This funding will provide support to many parenting students — who are highly motivated but often face additional challenges when it comes to earning their degrees,” said Bucks County Community College President and CEO Patrick M. Jones.
Broader Higher Education Strategy
Officials said the grant program is part of a broader effort to reform Pennsylvania’s higher education system and improve access.
The administration has increased education funding by nearly $3 billion over the past three years, including investments in K-12 schools, special education, career and technical education, and higher education.
State leaders also recently established a State Board of Higher Education, marking the first major structural changes to the system in nearly three decades.
Officials said the Parent Pathways program is intended to help more students complete degrees and strengthen the state’s workforce by reducing barriers to higher education.
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