University of Akron partners with YMCA to offer financial assistance for childcare to student parents

The University of Akron has formed a partnership with the YMCA in order to help out students who are the parents of young children. Citing the rising cost of quality childcare and the continued concerns student parents have indicated regarding being able to pay for those costs while attending school, the University of Akron has sought out a partnership with the Akron Area YMCA to create the Childcare Assistance Program.

According to an article on the University of Akron’s website, Dr. John Messina, who serves as the university’s vice president of student affairs, explained why and how the partnership came about. He is quoted as saying, “We know that balancing college life with parenting is a juggling act for some of our students. It was our goal to create an innovative program that would empower our parenting students to pursue their academic dreams without interruption. This initiative, made possible by the generous support of our Women in Philanthropy donors, was the perfect opportunity for us to partner with the Akron Area YMCA to help parenting students continue their education."

The idea for the Childcare Assistance Program first came about when the university’s Campus Cupboard, which provides various resources for students in need, began hearing that childcare costs were becoming one of the top concerns for student parents as a barrier that may stand in the way of them continuing their education. ZipAssist is the school’s student support team, which also began to hear of the growing need for childcare assistance.

The partnership between the University of Akron and the Akron Area YMCA made possible the Childcare Assistance Program, which has been initially funded with $100,000 from the University's Women in Philanthropy. The Childcare Assistance Program provides $3,000 grants to eligible students per semester, which can be used for childcare costs at the YMCA. The YMCA also has additional funding sources and resources available, meaning it is possible students who apply for and receive the grant could pay nothing out of pocket for daycare services.

Alison Doehring, who is the senior director of ZipAssist and student affairs development, shared her thoughts about the partnership and the Childcare Assistance Program. She is quoted as saying, “We wanted to make sure that when the fall semester began, students who were balancing school and family life had the support they needed from day one. Whether it’s finding affordable daycare, handling household needs — or simply creating a sustainable schedule, this program is here to help.” Doehring went on to say, “If you’re a parenting student, don’t let childcare concerns hold you back — let us help you achieve your academic and parenting goals with peace of mind. The Akron Area YMCA has been an outstanding partner, and their commitment to offering affordable childcare is a crucial piece of this initiative.”

The Childcare Assistance Program does not have any income requirements or necessitate that the student be attending school full time, so any student who could use childcare assistance funding is encouraged to apply. In order to apply for the grant, students can submit a Help-A-Zip referral, indicating Childcare Assistance.

The partnership between the University of Akron and Akron Area YMCA has another facet that will give students who are interested in nonprofit work the opportunity to participate in internships or apply for jobs with Akron Area YMCA.

For more information about the University of Akron, visit the school’s website.