INDIANAPOLIS — Being a parent is hard. Single parenting is even harder.
Ivy Tech wants to help single moms get the tools they need, offering a free eight-week virtual course. It's supported by a federal grant program.
"[It will be offered] on four campuses — Lafayette, Indianapolis, Muncie and Sellersburg — as a pilot, and then we’re going to expand to the whole state," said Sharon Snyders, program chair of student success at Ivy Tech.
But they haven’t forgotten that moms aren’t the only single parents.
"We’re also going to eventually include all single parents and caregivers," Snyders said.
The virtual Zoom class counts for college credit, and you don’t have to be a current Ivy Tech student to sign up
"[The course includes] different note-taking techniques, how to get aligned with the workforce and knowing their strengths and career options, financial literacy, enhancing their children’s literacy," Snyders said. "We’ll have additional mentoring and workshops and support in helping with finding childcare and getting through those other obstacles."
If a single parent then wants to pursue a degree, their mentor can help connect them with financial aid.
"They can do both; they don’t have to choose kids or my own career," said Snyders.
Making the program only for single parents creates a community.
"'Oh, I’m not the only one dealing with this, how do you deal with that,' critical thinking, creative thinking, problem solving are all part of the course as well," Snyders added.
And they’re not just helping one another.
"Students realize, 'Oh, I can do this, I can achieve this' and then be a role model for their kid and then help the next generation. I’m getting teary eyed. When I can help them and they can help the next generation, it’s just exponential," said Snyders.