JASA SANTOS Star-Tribune staff writer | Posted: Sunday, July 12, 2009 12:00 am
Single-parents attending the University of Wyoming/Casper College Center will soon have an increased opportunity to receive a scholarship to help with their expenses.
A $250,000 endowment has been established for the Myra Fox Skelton Foundation scholarship, which provides a monthly living stipend for single-parents awarded the scholarship.
The foundation set up the endowment to extend its reach to single parents pursuing higher education. The endowment funds will be increased further through the state's matching program.
"It is so exciting for us, because it has probably been the most important scholarship we've had," said Carol Tarantola, chairperson of the UW/CC Center Scholarship Committee.
UW/CC dean Brent Pickett said the scholarship allows students to focus on the two most important things in their lives-their children, and their studies.
"UW/CC students are, for the most part, non-traditional students," Pickett said. "Our average student is 30 years old, most are women, and many also have kids."
Recipients have also shared that being able to focus on their homework has a hidden benefit for their families, Pickett added.
"Their children see them taking education seriously," he said. "[Parents] end up modeling good education practices for their kids."
Stephanie Martin received the scholarship last year. It was a turning point for her, and her two children, ages 4 and 7.
Martin, an English major, used the scholarship to cover daycare expenses and to put money towards a new car. It also meant she didn't need to take out a student loan to help make ends meet.
"We really changed our standard of living," Martin said. "It wasn't just about school. It was about our family time together."
Martin encouraged other single parents trying to earn a degree to apply for the scholarship, even if they receive assistance from the Department of Family Services.
"Most of us have young kids," she said. "Those are the years you don't want to miss."
Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at jasa.santos@trib.com. Read her education blog at tribtown.trib.com/JasaSantos/blog.