Grant Will Allow Indian Hills To Help Pregnant And Female Parenting Students

JUNE 24, 2019
OTTUMWA — The Iowa Department of Public Health has awarded Indian Hills Community College a grant that will allow the college to provide economic support for female pregnant and parenting students. IHCC is the only community college partner to receive the grant, which will be available for five years.

Indian Hills had a similar grant two years ago and Darlas Shockley, Executive Dean, Arts & Sciences and Academic Support Services, says the fact they were able to help that student demographic played a role in getting this award. “I think this grant is a direct result of the success we had with the 2017-18 Parenting Assistance Grant,” Shockley said. “The two grants are from different federal agencies and have some different requirements but both focus on supporting families and increasing opportunities for parenting students.”

Indian Hills students are now able to apply for grant funds as of the current summer term. The assistance provides economic support for things like child care, food, housing and transportation. Pregnant and parenting female students can contact one of Indian Hills’ Pathway Navigators to apply for the funds. That group includes Debbie Boyer, Michelle Russell-Graham, Ashley Claussen and Melissa Neher.