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Rashida Rashid and Alyssa Moles held their heads high as they walked across the stage during Northeast State Community College’s Spring 2023 Commencement.
The two alumnae are among five students who earned degrees from the College this spring thanks to a federal grant that assists with childcare expenses.
Rashid, a mother of three, and Moles, a mother of twin boys, attribute part of their success to the Child Care Access Means Parents in School program (CCAMPIS), which gives eligible student-parents the opportunity to further their education by assisting with childcare costs.
“Without childcare assistance, there is no way I would have been able to go to school and find time to study in between classes,” Moles said, who graduated with a degree in cardiovascular technology. “Childcare is outrageously expensive; without assistance, I wouldn’t have been able to afford it.”
Rashid said the program provided her with a sense of relief, which allowed her to prioritize her studies as she worked toward obtaining her nursing degree. Now, her options are limitless.
“I hope to work as a registered nurse for about six months to a year and then further my education by taking BSN courses and eventually getting my MSN and DNP and work as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist or a Nurse Practitioner,” Rashid said.
Moles specializes in another sector of health care and also has intentions of returning to school to work toward a bachelor’s degree.
She will begin working at a catheterization lab at a local hospital soon after graduation.The Northeast State alumna urges other parents to pursue their dreams, no matter how intimidating they may seem.
“Northeast State Community College is truly here to get you there,” Moles said. “Any questions I have had, every single faculty member went above and beyond to help me succeed.
“Being a mother of twin boys and a full-time college student was not an easy task, but time, dedication, and having Northeast State in my corner rooting for me made getting my degree easier. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the many resources Northeast State has to offer. If I can do it, you can.”
Rashid voiced a similar message in support of parents who may be hesitant to return to school.
“Just do it,” Rashid said. “I know it seems impossible when you have kiddos and a job and responsibilities, but if you take it one class at a time, one day at a time, before you know it, two or three years have passed, and you are graduating and bettering your future for yourself and your kids, especially if you are in a low-paying job trying to figure out the next step.”
Northeast State’s CCAMPIS program connects parents with many different career goals to the resources needed to achieve them.
During the Spring 2023 Commencement, the College awarded degrees to five student-parents who had used CCAMPIS services at any point during their time at Northeast State.
“We are excited about the grant being renewed until 2026, and we are currently taking new applications for the fall semester,” said CCAMPIS Coordinator Kerrie Hall. “It is so rewarding to see the growth in each student throughout each semester and to eventually see them through to the completion of their programs.”
Students must meet several requirements to qualify for CCAMPIS services, including having infant to preschool-aged dependents, a completed FAFSA form, Pell Grant eligibility as determined by FAFSA, enrollment in at least 6 credit hours a semester in a degree or certificate program, and attending CCAMPIS orientation.