Barriers often prevent young student parents from graduating high school, but United Way of Central Maryland provides unique support for parents and their children Excel Academy in our Poppleton Neighborhood Zone and Benjamin Franklin High School in our Brooklyn Neighborhood Zone.
The students’ strengths and the Centers’ wraparound supports allow young parents to focus on their schoolwork while caring for their children, and we’re proud to share that 7 seniors earned their diplomas—with more expected to graduate at the end of the Summer semester!
Here are examples of student parents’ accomplishments:
- Completed a 90-hour Infant & Toddler certification course and receive a job offer as a childcare aide
- Was the first in her immediate family to graduate high school—and graduated as valedictorian!
- Enrolled in a nursing program with scholarships
- Making strong connections for community work experience
- Working while enrolling in community college
- Learning from estheticians to begin a cosmetology career
While graduation marks the end of one chapter, our graduates continue to write their futures. Support from United Way doesn’t stop at graduation, and you can help these graduates and those still enrolled in school by donating a few dollars to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed.
