Keys to Degrees: Single Parent Program

Why a program for single parents?

The lack of career opportunities and the financial means to support themselves and their families often place the single, under-educated parent in a continuous negative cycle. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that about one-quarter (24.6%) of single-parent households had incomes below the poverty level. This is about twice as high as the overall poverty rate for the total population. Providing a further barrier to employment, about 477,600 single parents have only completed high school as their highest level of education. Education is the means to provide these single parents with appropriate career opportunities to gain financial stability for their families.

We have the ability to break the cycle of poverty eliminating low-paying jobs, unemployment and welfare dependence. By creating a pathway of entry into higher education and by providing a strong programmatic intervention, we will make incredible strides and give single parents the opportunity to transform themselves into productive, self-sufficient members of society. Eastern Michigan University believes in the power of education to transform lives: Education First for all families.