SUNY Niagara is partnering with Niagara Falls City Schools for the second time to offer a free college course specifically designed for parents whose children are enrolled in the district. This initiative aims to support parents who have dreams of pursuing a college degree but face challenges such as raising children and the high cost of tuition.
The course, titled English 102: Writing and Introduction to Literature, focuses on enhancing writing skills and introducing students to the study of literature. Adults enrolled in the course are considered part of SUNY Niagara and are provided with all the resources and support available to regular college students.
According to Tammy Bruno, the assistant vice president of academic affairs at SUNY Niagara, adult students make up a significant portion of the undergraduate student population in the United States. Many of these adult students are also parents, which is why the schools are offering free childcare services while the course takes place.
"Nearly every student enrolled in our first cohort of this program used the childcare resource," said Bruno. "They were able to bring their children with them to class, get them situated, and really focus on their coursework because they weren't worried about how they were going to meet their childcare needs."
Mark Laurrie, the superintendent of Niagara Falls City School District, highlighted that one of the primary reasons for partnering with SUNY Niagara and offering this free course is to benefit the children. Laurrie explained that while the parents may be the ones attending the classes, the success of moms and dads has a positive impact on their children's learning.
"Research shows that the educational achievements of a child's mother often directly correlate with the child's academic performance. We also engage fathers and even grandparents who are interested," Laurrie said. "By raising the educational level of the family, starting with the parents, we can directly improve the educational outcomes for the children we serve."
Enrolling in this course is being described as a risk-free opportunity for parents to explore college education and determine if it is the right path for them. Bruno emphasized that the pressure is reduced because regardless of the outcome, there are benefits for everyone involved.
"They don't have to worry about the financial burden, childcare, or transportation," Bruno explained. "Parents can fully focus on their schoolwork and decide if they are ready to take another course. For every student who took the first set of courses we offered, the answer was a resounding yes."
Classes for the English 102 course will be held on Mondays from July 8th through August 29th at Bloneva Bond Primary School. Parents interested in registering for the course can call the school at (716) 278-5860.
This collaborative effort between SUNY Niagara and Niagara Falls City Schools provides an invaluable opportunity for parents to pursue higher education and create a positive impact on their own lives and the lives of their children.