Bridging the Summer Gap: The Importance of Accessible and Reliable Child Care Programs for Student Parents
A scene from our NOLA Back to School Picnic for Scholars
By Dr. Brittani Williams & Yoslin Amaya
Generation Hope works daily to create real change for student parents and families. But we know that we have to do more. We have to reach more young families who want to realize their educational dreams and continue to change the policies and systems that keep economic mobility and wealth building out of reach for millions of families across the country. Our new strategic path reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that those who are furthest from opportunity have the resources they deserve to reach their full potential.
Summer is a time of excitement and opportunity, especially for children eagerly anticipating a break from the school routine. However, for student parents, the summer months can present significant challenges. Balancing the responsibilities of parenthood with pursuing educational and career goals is no small feat. The absence of school-provided child care during the summer often exacerbates this struggle, making it difficult for student parents to continue their studies or maintain employment.
To highlight spaces nationwide that are doing this work and recognizing this critical need, we want to uplift how the Alamo Colleges District and the YMCA of Greater San Antonio have joined forces to provide a solution. This summer, the Alamo Colleges District and YMCA of Greater San Antonio announced a strategic partnership to enhance the support available to student parents. This innovative collaboration is already making a difference with the launch of YMCA on-campus day camps at Northwest Vista College and across the Alamo Colleges. This initiative is a testament to the commitment of both organizations to support student parents with high-quality, affordable child care options.
As Generation Hope embarks on our 15th year of service, we are doubling down on our mission to ensure all student parents have the opportunities to succeed, experience economic mobility, and build wealth — and we are excited to highlight this critical program.
Addressing the Child Care Crisis
For many student parents, the summer months are a period of heightened stress. With schools closed, the need for reliable child care becomes urgent. Traditional summer programs can be expensive and may not align with the schedules of parents attending college or working. This gap in support can lead to difficult choices: sacrificing educational pursuits, reducing work hours, or relying on informal and sometimes unreliable child care arrangements.
"Even parents who are educators may not have 'free time' during the summer alongside their students for many reasons," says Tamara Sahin, a student-parent and Student Parent Advocacy Alliance (SPAA) cohort alum. "For student parents like me, whose only option is to study part-time year-round and take classes during summer and winter breaks, there is no 'summer vacation.' Some of us rely on relatives to bridge the child care gap when school is out, but many of our relatives also have full-time responsibilities."
The partnership between the Alamo Colleges District and YMCA of Greater San Antonio addresses this critical issue head-on. By offering on campus day camps, this initiative ensures that student parents have access to reliable and affordable child care during the summer. These camps are designed to provide a safe, enriching environment for children, allowing parents to focus on their studies and work without the added worry of child care logistics.
Enhancing Educational and Career Outcomes
Accessible and reliable child care is more than a convenience; it is a crucial factor in the success of student parents. Research consistently shows that students with dependable child care are more likely to complete their degrees and achieve their career goals. The peace of mind that comes from knowing their children are well cared for enables student parents to dedicate themselves fully to their academic and professional endeavors.
Krystle Pale, another student parent and SPAA cohort alum, emphasizes the importance of accessible programs: "Our four-year institutions don’t sync with our children's school districts; our classes are usually scheduled when they are out. So there’s still a need for flexible and affordable child care and flexible class schedules. Child care expenses are wild. You're out of luck if you are not on state aid because you may have timed out or simply don’t have the bandwidth to go through the tedious paperwork and interview process."
The YMCA day camps at Northwest Vista College and other Alamo Colleges campuses offer a structured program that includes educational activities, physical fitness, and social development opportunities for children. This holistic approach not only supports the children's growth and development but also aligns with Alamo Colleges' educational mission. By integrating these camps into the campus environment, student parents are also more likely to feel connected to their academic community, further enhancing their motivation and persistence.
Building a Community of Support
Just like the Alamo College District, Generation Hope recognizes the importance of building a community of support. We heard from our SPAA alumni just how frustrating it is not to have the support you need.
Pale shared, "Currently, my children qualify for free lunch, allowing my 5- and 7-year-olds to attend two summer schools through the school district… However, navigating the system for benefits like CalWORKs can be frustrating; despite applying, I never received the promised child care support."
This is why we believe that one of the most significant benefits of the partnership between the Alamo Colleges District and the YMCA of Greater San Antonio is creating a supportive community for student parents. These on-campus camps foster a sense of belonging among participants, both parents and children. For student parents, knowing that their peers are facing similar challenges and receiving similar support can be incredibly empowering.
The YMCA's reputation for delivering high-quality, values-based programs adds another layer of assurance for parents. The organization's focus on nurturing the potential of every child, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility resonates with the goals of student parents striving to build a better future for themselves and their families.
A Model for the Future
The collaboration between the Alamo Colleges District and the YMCA of Greater San Antonio is a model for other educational institutions and community organizations. By recognizing the unique needs of student parents and taking proactive steps to address them, this partnership exemplifies how strategic alliances can create meaningful change.
As the summer progresses, the success of the YMCA on-campus day camps will hopefully inspire similar initiatives elsewhere. This partnership highlights the importance of innovative solutions that address the multifaceted challenges faced by student parents. It underscores the value of accessible and reliable programs that bridge gaps during the summer and contribute to the long-term success of student parents and their children.
Looking Ahead
As Generation Hope celebrates the launch of this strategic partnership in support of student parents, it is important to look ahead and consider the broader implications. The support provided by these summer camps is just the beginning. Continued investment in programs that support student parents year-round is essential. This includes expanding access to affordable child care, providing academic and career counseling, and fostering a campus culture that values and supports student parents.
The partnership between the Alamo Colleges District and the YMCA of Greater San Antonio is a significant step forward in addressing the needs of student parents. By providing high-quality, affordable child care options, this initiative helps bridge the summer gap and supports student parents' educational and career aspirations. It is a shining example of how community collaboration can create positive, lasting change for student parents everywhere — the kind of work that Generation Hope is dedicated to every day.
Now more than ever, parents and children are struggling to eat three meals a day, keep a roof over their heads, access high-quality child care, and enter family-sustaining careers. Generation Hope’s 2029 Strategic Path puts an emphasis on bolstering basic needs supports for parenting students.
Accessing affordable childcare is one of the biggest barriers to student parent success. The average annual cost of child care rose to $11,582 per child last year, up 3.7% from the prior year — that's about half the cost of the average tuition, fees, and room and board at a public four-year in-state university.
To learn more about our goals for our 2029 Strategic Path and how to take impactful action please visit our website:
