Bay Mills Community College receives grant from US Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families

Bay Mills Community College has been awarded a Tribal Colleges and Universities Head Start Partnership Program grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families. The grant funding, in the amount of $1,176,376, is the first year of a five-year grant. The funding will support the college’s HOPE program, which itself supports the educators who work within Tribal Head Start around the country.

According to an article on Bay Mills Community College’s website, Dr. Duane Bedell, who serves as the president of Bay Mills Community College, was quoted as saying of the award, “This award is a testament to the dedication and [excellence] of our team at Bay Mills Community College. Their tireless work and commitment to supporting Tribal Head Start professionals have made this achievement possible. We are deeply grateful for our partners across the country who are doing incredible work in their communities by empowering early childhood educators, strengthening families, and preserving cultural heritage. Together, we are building a brighter future for the next seven generations."

The grant will increase the capacity of the college to support educators within Tribal Head Start through removing barriers to education so they can earn their early childhood education certifications. The Early Childhood Education department at Bay Mills Community College currently serves around 300 students each semester, and with this new funding, the number of students participating in the programs are expected to increase, so the department will also hire additional team members.

The HOPE program strives to remove barriers to education for individuals who are Tribal Head Start employees. The program includes financial incentives, free tuition, a textbook lending library, laptops, tutoring, and other support resources. The “Round 3” funding will also allow the college to create new partnerships with Tribal Head Starts around the country, including in South Carolina, Minnesota, Alaska, Washington, and Oklahoma.

Heather Stelzer, who serves as the college’s Chair of the Early Childhood Education Department, said, “This opportunity is truly transformative for those seeking to advance in their careers. With this funding, we are proud to support early childhood professionals as they pursue higher education with a growth mindset, demonstrate perseverance in reaching their goals, and exemplify resilience to their peers and families.”

Students have found success with the HOPE program, with one past participant, Carla Bobo – Mississippi Choctaw, saying, "I have been able to seek more education in Early Childhood through the HOPE opportunity. My education has been affordable through this program, and I can spend more time with my children while seeking my BA degree in Early Childhood Education.”

For more information about Bay Mills Community College, visit the school’s website.