According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2007-08, 17 percent of female undergraduates were single parents. To help all women, colleges created Women Resource Centers, also known as Gender Equity or Re-entry Centers. These centers provide access to counseling, financial aid, emergency assistance, tutoring, health care services and day care. Student Affairs and non-traditional student groups offer outreach services to single moms. And don’t forget old-fashioned and electronic bulletin boards for support group listings.
While flexible course schedules and online classes have made college more accessible for single mothers, the responsibilities of jobs, child care and housework remain. The good news is that you don’t have to struggle with stressful issues alone. Online forums, such as Single Mom and Back to College, provide a space to connect with other single student moms navigating the same terrain. Topics include financial aid, grant information, career planning, time management and parenting issues.
Socializing may be at the bottom of your endless “to-do” list, but single-parent networks may offer much-needed relief from solo parenting and school demands. Parents Without Partners and Meetup are two web groups available in many communities around the country. Depending on your location, they provide social outlets for your family, tutoring assistance, potluck suppers and babysitting swaps. Plus, the opportunity to commiserate with others alleviates stress, which ultimately increases productivity.
Your local church, synagogue or place of worship can be a place to refuel, de-stress and regain much-needed emotional and spiritual balance. In addition to nurturing your spirituality, religious organizations may offer single parent groups. Also, check bulletin boards for community members who provide child care or tutoring services.
The Babysitter Exchange is an online network of parents who swap babysitting and other services such as errands, tutoring, carpooling, home repairs and pet sitting. If you are on a budget and short on time, this is a way to trade child care and skills. If there isn't a co-op near you, start one in your community through the website.