Single Parents Program
Location
251 S Willard Street
Burlington, VT 05401
Office Hours
9AM – 4:30PM
Contact Us
To ease the stress of going back to school.
Champlain College’s Single Parents Program provides the necessary extra support for students who are single parents.
For 36 years, Champlain has been providing support to those who need it most.
Social Support Network
Champlain College has a long standing history of wrap around support. With workshops and activities that are available to all students, we can foster a community of support among students in the Single Parents Program. These programs include monthly lunch socials, trick-or-treating on campus, and our annual holiday party and gift sponsorship program.
Single Parents Scholarship
This scholarship is designed to ease tuition expenses for parenting students. If you are eligible for the Pell grant and receiving Vermont Grants through Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), Champlain will meet your expected family contribution of $0. Eligible parenting students are:
- Seeking their first undergraduate degree
- Vermont residents
- Enrolled in an on-campus degree program
- Unmarried and parenting at least 50% of the time
I am fortunate enough to lead by example, to show my daughter that dreams can come true, goals are something to be set and achieved, and that hard work and dedication can greatly enhance our possibilities.
What We Do
Champlain College offers the only specialized program for single-parenting students in Vermont. Committed staff will assist and support you in:
- Getting comfortable with college life through a summer orientation workshop
- Accessing a case manager on campus
- Using on-campus resources like the Career Collaborative, the Counseling Center and academic coaching at the Smart Space
The program also provides:
- Career counseling
- Peer-to-peer advising
- Educational seminars about financial aid, parenting, healthy relationships, and other relevant topics
- Tuition assistance intended to fill the gap from traditional funding sources and the full cost of tuition
- Special holiday and graduation celebrations to build and reinforce a sense of community
- A Save-the-Day Emergency Fund
For more information about the Single Parents Program, call toll free: (800) 359-0728.
Services and resources to support you beyond the classroom
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On-Campus SupportWe understand that student-parents have complex lives. A network of supports and tools are available including:
- A Student Resources Coordinator to oversee your programming
- Financial assistance for tuition
- A summer orientation, with interactive workshops to help you navigate different services and resources
- Free in-person and online tutoring
- Free mental health counseling
- Free career advising, including help writing your resume and finding a job
- Access to full-time, part-time, seasonal, temporary, and work study jobs
- Family friendly accommodations like lactation rooms
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Off-Campus SupportChamplain works with a number of non-profit partner organizations and public services.
- Post Secondary Education (PSE) Program: We work closely with our local division to enroll all interested Single Parent Scholars in the PSE program, which provides a variety of assistance for student parents with low or no income. Please contact studentresources@champlain.edu for help with applying.
- 3SquaresVT: This monthly benefit helps families put three meals on the table every day.
- Community College of Vermont. Many students enter the Single Parents Program through the 2 + 2 program at Community College of Vermont (CCV). You can earn an Associate’s Degree at CCV and then apply to transfer to Champlain College through our seamless transition agreement.
- ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. ECHO donates free annual memberships for Single Parents Program participants, providing opportunity for much needed fun for the whole family
Being a single parent and attending school full time can be challenging. Without the support I received, facing these obstacles alone could easily become too overwhelming to succeed academically.
Single Parents Program FAQ
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What is the definition of a “single parent”?
A single parent is legally separated, divorced, widowed, or unmarried and has at least 50% custody of their child(ren).
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How do you get into the Single Parents Program?
Prospective parents interested in participating in the Single Parents Program should contact Student Resources at studentresources@champlain.edu.
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What is the Single Parents Scholarship and who is eligible?
The Single Parents Scholarship is to eligible students to cover the educational costs of attendance at Champlain. To be eligible, single parent students must be pursuing their first Bachelor’s degree and be recipients of the Federal Pell Grant (based on financial need and Expected Family Contribution) and Vermont state funding (VSAC grants). The Single Parents Scholarship together with those funds will cover the full cost of tuition. Once you’ve been admitted and would like to be considered for eligibility, please email for an interview studentresources@champlain.edu.
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Are the Single Parents Program and the Single Parent Scholarship the same thing?
No, they are not. Though most students who are in the Single Parents Program are recipients of the scholarship, you are not required to receive the scholarship in order to access the other services available through the program.
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Are there any program requirements?
The Single Parents Program does not have a GPA requirement. However, students must meet the academic requirements of the College in order to remain enrolled. The program offers many opportunities for connection, support, and celebration. All social components of the program are voluntary.
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Can the Single Parents Scholarship help me with my Master’s degree?
No, this scholarship is only available for parenting students who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree and attending classes in-person on campus.
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Can I be in the Single Parents Program if I am Champlain College Online student?
NO, the Single Parents Program is designed to deliver wrap around support for students attending classes in person.
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How does a single parent juggle school, parenting, and maybe even a job?
We know there are a lot of things on your plate, and we’re here to help. Some students choose to work part time and complete their degree in eight years, others choose to enroll full time and do not work while they focus on their studies and family life. Regardless, there are resources available to support you throughout the state of Vermont, local non-profit organizations and through Champlain. Please contact the program coordinator to discuss your path forward.