It only takes one generation to break the cycle of financial insecurity. For young mothers, college is key.
Simply put, The Care Center helps young mothers and low-income women go to college. Our groundbreaking programs and our unique integration of education, arts and culture have been recognized nationally by The White House, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Christian Science Monitor, The Boston Globe, and on National Public Radio.
Our philosophy is simple: people in need and people of means require the same things to succeed.
The low-income young mothers who participate in our high school level program have all dropped out of school. Like the best college preparatory schools in the country, we incorporate small class sizes, lively academics, athletics, and a commitment to success. Young mothers prepare to take the High School Equivalency exam (HiSET) and along the way, fall back in love with learning. While students read Plato, create artwork, write poetry, and row on the Connecticut River, supports such as transportation, daycare, counseling, meals, and a nurse practitioner allow them to concentrate on their studies. It works. 75% of our graduates — all young mothers who have dropped out of school — continue to college each year.
We also partner with Bard College to run the nation’s first college for young mothers and low-income women.
Bard Microcollege Holyoke is an accredited college housed at The Care Center enhanced by our full range of supports. Students graduate with a competitive degree from Bard College, one of the most respected institutions of higher education in the country. Graduates have gone on to pursue bachelor’s degrees at Smith, Mount Holyoke, and Trinity Colleges.
All of this work takes place in a turn-of-the-century brick mansion that we converted into an education center. The first floor houses a daycare for babies and toddlers. Classes take place on the upper and lower floors along with our student support services.
