COLLEGE NEWS: Grand funds available to IHCC pregnant, parenting students

OTTUMWA -- 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.

IHCC 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.”

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 IHCC Pathway Navigators to apply: Debbie Boyer, Michelle Russell-Graham, Ashley Claussen and Melissa Neher.

Direct questions to Shockley at Darlas.Shockley@indianhills.edu or 641-683-5174.