Federal grant aims to improve child care access for University of Saint Francis students

Parents who also are students attending the medical career training programs at the University of Saint Francis soon will have more child care options and perhaps one fewer roadblock to earning their degree.

The U.S. Department of Education recently awarded a grant totaling $65,700 to the Crown Point university to connect students with local, high-quality child care in the hope of improving student recruitment, retention and graduation rates.

Lance Richey, University of Saint Francis interim president, said the federal Child Care Access Means Parents in School program grant will be a "huge benefit" to USF Crown Point students working to complete their education while managing their child care needs.

"We continue to seek ways to put our students in the best possible position for success. This assistance in child care for our students who are parents is greatly appreciated," Richey said.

U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, who helps shape federal spending as the congressman for Lake, Porter and northwest LaPorte counties, applauded USF's efforts to expand child care access and make essential job training programs more accessible to more Region residents.

"I am grateful to the leaders of the University of Saint Francis for their efforts to successfully obtain this federal resource to assist students who are parents," Mrvan said.

"I look forward to continuing to work to ensure that all individuals throughout Northwest Indiana have opportunities to thrive and succeed in their educational pursuits."

Last year, Mrvan secured another $225,000 in federal funds to equip a nursing simulation lab and ultrasound lab in the new health professionals training facility at USF.

USF Crown Point is a regional campus of the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, a Catholic institution sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration in Mishawaka.