HARRISBURG, PA — Expanding its commitment to improving educational access and affordability, the Shapiro Administration has announced over $1.5 million in Parent Pathways grants to support parenting students statewide. Delivered through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), these grants are designed to address the unique challenges faced by undergraduate students with children.
The program aims to break down financial and logistical barriers to higher education by offering tuition assistance, emergency funding, and wrap-around services. These efforts directly align with Governor Josh Shapiro’s vision to make higher education accessible while also fostering economic growth across the state.
“Ensuring that all students have the opportunity to complete their education, especially those balancing the responsibilities of parenthood while pursuing a postsecondary credential, is a priority for the Shapiro Administration. These Parent Pathways grants are designed to remove the financial and logistical barriers that often prevent parenting students from achieving their educational goals,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “By partnering with these institutions to support students with the resources they need, we are helping them build a better future for themselves and their families, while also strengthening Pennsylvania’s workforce and economy.”
Higher Education as a Key Priority
Governor Shapiro’s administration continues to emphasize the importance of reinvesting in postsecondary education. His broader plan for higher education aims to make college more affordable, improve collaboration among institutions, and address workforce shortages by enabling more Pennsylvanians to obtain college credentials.
This strategic focus also addresses critical challenges highlighted by national studies, which show that one in five undergraduate students in the United States is raising children while attending college. Alarmingly, nearly half of these students do not complete their degrees due to a lack of targeted support.
Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal reflects his dedication to this issue, calling for landmark investments, including a $13 million increase for community colleges, $40 million for PASSHE universities, and $60 million in performance-based funding for institutions like Pitt, Penn State, and Temple.
Institutions Receiving Parent Pathways Grants
Over the course of this effort, the Parent Pathways program has provided critical financial aid to higher education institutions committed to addressing the needs of parenting students. The latest round of funding awarded grants to the following colleges and universities, spread across nine counties in Pennsylvania:
Butler County
- Butler County Community College – $150,000
Delaware County
- Cheyney University of Pennsylvania – $150,000
- Neumann University – $139,956
Philadelphia
- Eastern University – $98,602
- Holy Family University – $150,000
- Saint Joseph’s University – $150,000
Chester County
- Immaculata University – $142,340
Lackawanna County
- Lackawanna College – $98,602
Montgomery County
- Montgomery County Community College – $150,000
Westmoreland County
- Seton Hill University – $150,000
Lancaster County
- Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology – $150,000
This second round of Parent Pathways grants follows the program’s successful debut in May 2024, when $1.7 million was awarded to 12 institutions to enhance support for undergraduate students with dependents.
Strengthening Families and Workforce
The Parent Pathways initiative underscores the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to Pennsylvania families. By facilitating access to higher education for parenting students, the program not only empowers individuals but also creates a ripple effect of benefits for families and communities.
Educational attainment remains a powerful tool for addressing workforce shortages and driving economic growth. Programs like the Parent Pathways grants represent foundational investments in the state’s future, ensuring access to education for all Pennsylvanians and fostering long-term success for the Commonwealth.
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