CASPER, Wyo. — On Thursday, the Wyoming Department of Family Services announced it is providing Emergency Child Care Assistance Grant money to help community college students during the fall 2022 semester.
Students enrolled in a degree, credit diploma or certificate program are eligible for the grants if they have children. The money is available to both U.S. citizens and international students who take classes in person or online.
Students must also experience at least one of the following hardships related to child care costs in order to qualify:
- Underemployed
- Unemployed
- Reduced college course load
- Reduced credits earned in the prior academic term
- Risk of reduced credits in the upcoming academic term
- Prohibitive child care costs
The level of assistance available depends on the age and number of children a community college student has. Awards are prorated based on the number of credit hours a student is enrolled in.
“DFS is excited to partner with community colleges across the state to provide essential child care support for students working to achieve their educational goals and enter the workforce as a valuable resource to Wyoming communities,” said Roxanne O’Connor, DFS Support Services Division Senior Administrator. “We are very grateful for the work and collaboration that the community colleges and the Community College Commission put towards this innovative and much-needed program.
“Since we know that child care is a cornerstone of economic strength, the widespread impact of these dollars will be realized by students, educational institutions and employers throughout Wyoming.”
Applications will be available at the start of the fall semester. There is a limited amount of money available and awards will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Money for the grants comes from American Rescue Plan Act funds.
