Marian University’s Working Families Grant Program (WFG), one of the nation’s most comprehensive educational programs available to low income single parents, has received a $2,500 grant from the Alliant Energy Foundation.
WFG awards tuition and stipend grants to economically disadvantaged single parents with dependent children – parents who possess the desire and determination to achieve a four-year undergraduate degree. Initiated and funded by an anonymous donor and the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes, the anonymous donor will also match the $2,500.
“WFG truly changes people’s lives, and without the support of the community – including the Alliant Energy Foundation – we wouldn’t be able to continue to help break the cycle of poverty for our participants and their children,” said Kerry Strupp, WFG director. “We are extremely grateful for the support of the Alliant Energy Foundation and feel blessed that this contribution will continue to help us provide assistance to single parents.”
In the past 22 years the Alliant Energy Foundation has given back more than $55 million, with the $2,500 the WFG is receiving going toward assisting with the costs associated with childcare, food, and housing. Participants create new social and economic opportunities for their future through a “partnership” philosophy that embraces academic advising and support services, career assessment and development resources, community service/volunteerism experiences, counseling, financial aid assistance, freedom of spiritual exploration, life skills development, and mentoring.
WFG students are enrolled in a variety of majors, including Criminal Justice, Art Therapy, Early Childhood/Elementary Education, Elementary-Middle Education, Nursing, Marketing, and Social Work. Each participant performs 40 hours of community service each year, with other requirements including maintaining good academic standing, making continued academic progress, and participating in meaningful volunteer activities.
Since its inception in 2002, 199 students have graduated from WFG, with a retention rate of 89.5% and a graduation rate of 88.4%.
Participants also can utilize Marian’s student support services through the Center for Academic Support and Excellence, including academic advising, tutoring, and mentoring. Participants also receive personal counseling, financial and debt management counseling, and Career Services assists with career development, resume writing, mock interviews and job search strategies.
For more information visit MarianUniversity.edu/WFG, call Program Director Kerry Strupp at 920-923-8953, or email wfg@marianuniversity.edu.
