NOVA helps students pay for childcare

Northern Virginia Community College has lifted a major burden for students who are parents of young children.

The Northrop Grumman Foundation has awarded a $250,000 grant to the NOVA Community College Educational Foundation to launch the Family Forward Childcare Program.

The program provides funds of about $2,500 to student parents to help cover the cost of licensed childcare.

The program prioritizes military-affiliated students and those enrolled in high-demand STEM, medical education, and skilled trades pathways. By ensuring security for children, the program helps parents focus on earning degrees, certifications, or industry credentials necessary for economic mobility.

According to the Community College Survey of Student Engagement, 71 percent of parenting students said caregiving responsibilities are the biggest obstacle to completing their education. Nationally, only 28 percent of parenting students graduate within six years, despite often maintaining higher GPAs than their peers.