Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has received a significant boost in its mission to support student parents. A generous grant from the Alabama Power Foundation will pave the way for the Stillman-Brown Memorial Child Care Program, an initiative designed to provide crucial childcare services for over 100 student parents on campus. This program marks a pivotal step in addressing the challenges faced by students balancing education and parenthood.
This vital childcare program is a collaborative effort between Stillman College and the historic Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church. Founded by Stillman College’s visionary leader, the Rev. Dr. Charles Stillman in 1880, the Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church brings a deep-rooted community connection to this project. The church’s existing assembly and Sunday school spaces will be thoughtfully renovated to meet the standards for a state-certified childcare facility, creating a safe and nurturing environment for the children of Stillman’s student parents.
Representatives from Stillman College, Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church, and the Alabama Power Foundation convened at the Stillman campus to formally announce the initiative and share details of how the grant will be utilized. The funding will be instrumental in covering the costs of the necessary renovations and the initial setup of the childcare center.
“Access to childcare has consistently been a significant hurdle for our students,” stated Dr. Cynthia Warrick, President of Stillman College. “This timely and generous grant from the Alabama Power Foundation directly addresses this challenge and will profoundly impact our student parents, enabling them to focus on and complete their academic goals.”
This initiative builds upon previous efforts by Stillman College to support its student parent population. Recently, the college was awarded a grant from the Aspen Institute to develop a comprehensive plan specifically tailored to the needs of student parents. This groundwork laid the foundation for the development and implementation of the Stillman-Brown Memorial Child Care Program, ensuring it is strategically designed to meet the unique requirements of the students it serves.
Stillman College Bell Logo: Alabama Power Foundation Supports Student Parent Childcare Program
To ensure high-quality care and efficient management, Stillman College intends for the childcare center to be fully licensed by the Child Care Services Division of the Alabama Department of Human Resources. Achieving this certification involves upgrading the designated space to fully comply with state childcare facility requirements. Furthermore, the college plans to partner with a reputable and licensed childcare management company. This company will be responsible for the day-to-day operations, meticulous record-keeping, and sound financial management of the center, ensuring its long-term sustainability and effectiveness.
Looking ahead, Stillman College is actively pursuing supplementary grants to further enhance the program and provide subsidized childcare costs for students who qualify for the state childcare subsidy. The center will also serve as a valuable resource for students majoring in education and child development, offering opportunities for volunteer work and invaluable experiential learning experiences.
Jill Stork, Alabama Power Western Division Vice President, emphasized the broader community impact of the program: “Alabama Power, as an integral part of the business community, recognizes that access to childcare is a persistent barrier for many families, significantly impacting workforce development. We at Alabama Power Foundation are proud to support Dr. Warrick’s vision for this center at Stillman College. This Alabama Power Care Program will empower student parents to succeed in their educational pursuits, ultimately strengthening our future workforce.”
Phase one of the renovations for the childcare center is scheduled to commence in the fall. Construction is projected to take approximately six months. The ultimate goal is for the facility to be fully operational and ready to serve student parents, pending all necessary certifications, by the fall of 2024.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Alabama Power Foundation for their generous support,” President Warrick concluded. “This Alabama Power care program will have a transformative and positive impact on our campus community for years to come.”
For more information about the Alabama Power Foundation and their commitment to community development, please visit powerofgood.com.
