Empowering Parenting Students
Facts:
- At least 1 in 5 college students is a parent, and 42% of student parents attend community colleges.
- Many student parents face unique challenges, including financial strain and childcare needs, making support systems crucial for their success.
Parenting students often feel disconnected from campus life. CHAMPS would foster community and connection through:
- Peer mentorship programs that pair new parenting students with experienced ones
- Networking events with alumni, employers, and community leaders Online and in-person support circles to share resources and encouragement.
- This network helps students feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Many student parents face unique challenges, including financial strain and childcare needs, making support systems crucial for their success.
Supportive Services that Matter
CHAMPS advocates for and connects students to services such as:
- On-campus study spaces
- Emergency resources (connecting with community help)
- Academic coaching and flexible scheduling Mental health support
C.H.A.M.P.S. Career Help and Mentoring for Parenting Student
Empowering Parenting Students
WHAT IS CHAMPS?
C.H.A.M.P.S. stands for Career Help and Mentoring for Parenting Students. It’s an initiative designed to support student parents while they are pursuing their education. Parenting students often juggle academics, employment, and caregiving responsibilities— C.H.A.M.P.S. aims to ease that burden by offering:
- Career guidance and internship opportunities
- Peer mentorship and leadership development
- Access to supportive services
- A strong network of fellow parenting students
- The goal is to empower parenting students to thrive academically and professionally while building a community of support.
The goal is to empower parenting students to thrive academically and professionally while building a community of support.
Why You Should Become A Member of CHAMPS?
C.H.A.M.P.S. fills a critical gap by offering tailored resources and mentorship to RCC’s parenting students. C.H.A.M.P.S helps students to learn how to balance education and family life. We will work you to help find the resources you need tobe successful. RCC serves a diverse student population, including many who are parents. Yet, parenting students often face:- Limited access to affordable childcare which limits the types of classes they can take
- Transportation problems
- Financial stress
- Time Constraints
- Isolation from traditional student life
Benefits Through Work Experience and Leadership Opportunities
C.H.A.M.P.S. connects parenting students with internships and leadership experiences that align with their career goals:
- Paid internships with flexible hours
- Leadership workshops focused on time management, advocacy, and communication
- Opportunities to lead peer support groups or serve as student ambassadors
- These experiences build confidence, enhance résumés, and prepare students for postgraduation success.
Contact:
Dr. Ebony Lynch
elynch@rappahannock.edu
804-333-6735
Ms. Theresa Sirles
tsirles@rappahannock.edu
804-333-6735
