Holyoke Chicopee Springfield and Springfield Technical Community College Bring 2Gen Support to Western Massachusetts
Launched in fall 2024, the Holyoke Chicopee Springfield (HCS) Head Start and Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) partnership supports parenting students beyond the classroom. Their implementation of Kids on Campus, an initiative between the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) and the National Head Start Association (NHSA) to increase the number of Head Start programs co-located on community college campuses, advances both student parent success and their children’s school readiness.
Outside of its location inside a historic armory building on STCC’s campus, one other unique feature of the partnership is its “lab school” model, which integrates student learning and training across disciplines. The center brings in early childhood education student teachers, dental hygienists, and nursing students who perform health screenings for the children — creating a direct workforce pipeline for participants while simultaneously delivering care to kids.
Speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership.
“The importance of strong early childhood education cannot be overstated,” Sarno said. “We will continue to invest in our students, families and youth who are furthering their education and bring them the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.”
In the United States, more than 2 million community college students are parents of children under 18. Ensuring they have the right resources can help them stay enrolled, get their degrees, and, ultimately, secure higher paying jobs to support their families.
Approximately one in three enrolled families are STCC parenting students, and the center is working to formally prioritize the demographic in its selection process.
Through continued local parental support and student training, HCS and STCC are making a large impact for the Western Massachusetts community, one family at a time.
Additional Resources
Learning Without Limits: Kids on Campus Year Two Annual Report
AVANCE - San Antonio and Palo Alto College Partner to Support Parenting Students on Campus
About Kids on Campus
Kids on Campus is a national initiative led by ACCT and NHSA that connects community colleges and Head Start programs to expand access to on-campus early childhood education for parenting students. The initiative aims to establish 50 partnerships by 2030. Learn more at kidsoncampus.org.
