Why the CCAMPIS Program is Vital for College Parents and Needs Policy & Funding Support

Dr. Brittani Williams & Nicole Lynn Lewis

For many low-income parents, a postsecondary credential is key to breaking the cycle of poverty, advancing their careers, and providing a brighter future for their children. However, balancing the demands of parenthood with the rigors of college coursework presents significant challenges—child care being one of the most pressing. A key program that addresses this critical barrier is Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS), a federal grant that provides campus-based child care services to help parents focus on their education.

Here’s why the CCAMPIS program is vital for college-going parents and why policymakers must support its long-term sustainability.

Supporting Academic Success for Low-Income Parents

Low-income student parents face unique obstacles, juggling academic schedules – sometimes full course loads – with the responsibilities of caring for children. The CCAMPIS program helps remove child care as a barrier, allowing these parents to fully engage in their academic pursuits by attending classes, studying, and participating in campus life. This directly impacts their ability to stay enrolled and graduate, improving their chances for long-term success.

*Montgomery College Child Care Center,* Germantown, MD. Montgomery College completed the FamilyU Cohort.

Promoting Economic Mobility

Education is a proven pathway to economic mobility, but the cost and availability of child care can deter parents from completing their degrees. CCAMPIS helps parents acquire the qualifications to secure higher-paying jobs by offering campus-based child care services. This generational impact improves financial stability for parents and their children, who benefit from a more secure home environment and better opportunities.

Strengthening Communities

The benefits of CCAMPIS extend beyond individual families. Campus-based child care programs funded through CCAMPIS often serve the broader community, creating an inclusive support system for student parents and residents. By investing in child care services, institutions of higher education (IHEs) contribute to the well-being of their communities, ensuring that all children, regardless of their parent’s income or education status, have access to quality early childhood care.

*Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Childcare Center,* New Orleans, Louisiana. SUNO is a cohort member of Generation Hope’s FamilyU Program

Fostering a Diverse and Inclusive Campus Environment

The CCAMPIS program supports diversity and inclusion efforts on college campuses. Student parents often belong to underrepresented groups, including first-generation college students, women, and people of color. By ensuring that these students have access to affordable child care, the program promotes greater diversity in higher education, enriching the campus culture and fostering a more inclusive learning environment.

Building Institutional Capacity: The FamilyU Cohort and CCAMPIS Grantees

Many FamilyU institutions have also received funding through the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program, a federal grant to provide affordable childcare for low-income student parents. Some of these grantees include Montgomery College, Northern Virginia Community College, Madison Area Technical College, and The University of New Mexico. These institutions are recognized for their leadership in creating supportive, family-friendly environments that help parenting students thrive academically and personally.

Why Policymakers Must Prioritize Sustainability

Investing in the sustainability of CCAMPIS is critical for advancing educational equity. Policy leaders are responsible for ensuring low-income student parents are not forced to choose between their children’s well-being and education. By providing consistent funding for CCAMPIS, policymakers can help break down systemic barriers to higher education and create a more equitable society where all parents have the opportunity to thrive.

A lifeline for low-income parents, CCAMPIS offers essential child care services that accelerate educational and economic success for families. The program supports individual success and contributes to stronger communities and a more inclusive educational system. For these reasons, policy leaders must champion the sustainability of CCAMPIS, ensuring that all parents have the resources they need to achieve their academic and career goals.