You lead. They will follow.

Parents Lead is a cohort-based program that assists parents in pursuing a degree at Frederick Community College. Parents Lead provides a specialized curriculum and wraparound services for parents attending classes at FCC. Active students in the program are eligible to receive scholarships to assist with tuition, books, and childcare expenses and have priority access to select online and on-campus courses.

Eligibility Requirements

Any incoming or current FCC student who is the primary caregiver to one or more children 17 years of age or younger and can demonstrate financial need is eligible to apply for Parents Lead. Before submitting an application, applicants must do the following:

• Complete an application to Frederick Community College.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) , depending on citizenship status.
• Complete appropriate placement test or provided documentation of appropriate placement level in English (ENGL75 or higher) and math (MATH120A or higher).
• Schedule and attend an intake appointment with the Parent Education & Outreach Coordinator, Michelle Ricketts at [email protected].

Program Requirements

After submitting the application, qualified applicants must sign up for an initial 30-minute conversation with a program staff member to complete the acceptance process.

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
• Schedule and meet monthly with a dedicated program staff member.
• Engage in Parents Lead and/or Student Success Program virtual or on-campus activities.

Program Structure

Parents Lead is a student-focused program designed to assist financially eligible parents while they pursue educational goals at FCC.

• Coursework is delivered through a combination of classroom and online learning.
• On campus classes generally meet on Monday evenings.
• Curriculum options permit students to either complete general education requirements to progress into a general studies degree program or select an alternate degree program.

Student Support Services

As a cohort (learning community), this educational program delivers specialized curriculum and personalized coaching assistance from FCC Student Affairs staff, including Student Success Programs and Financial Aid. Scholarship is provided by the FCC Foundation.

Contact

Jennifer Leonard
Adult and Parent Education and Outreach Coordinator
Parents Lead, Project Forward Step and CCAMPIS programs
Annapolis Hall, A-105A
301.624.2862
[email protected]
[email protected]

Financial Assistance

Selected participants will receive a scholarship for childcare while parents attend classes, or for other costs associated with childcare. Parents Lead scholarships are provided by the FCC Foundation. Additional financial aid is available to assist eligible students with course tuition, fees, and additional expenses such as textbooks. Please visit FCC Financial Aid.

Parents Lead Application Process

Complete the Parents Lead Application to get started. All applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule a Parents Lead intake appointment with the Office of Student Success Programs.

College Success for Single Mothers

FCC is proud to be part of the College Success for Single Mothers Project. We collected data on our single mothers’ and student parents’ lived experiences and implemented action plans to expand services that foster student success.

Read the report.