Marian University’s Working Families Program (WFP), one of the nation’s most comprehensive educational programs available to low income single parents, is celebrating 20 years of service in the Fond du Lac community.

WFP works to advance the Marian University mission, core values, and legacy of service by awarding 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 program’s intent is to help low-income single parents to improve their lives and that of their children. Since its inception in 2002, 209 students have graduated. With a retention rate of 88.5% and a graduation rate of 87.4%, the program exemplifies Marian’s commitment to values-based education and CSA’s mission of service. Working Families Program Director, Kerry Strupp, believes, “We are truly blessed by the support of the Sisters of Saint Agnes and the anonymous donor. Without their commitment to our program, we would not be able to offer this amazing opportunity that significantly impacts our participants and their children.”

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.

Applications are being accepted for the 2022-23 academic year. WFP students can be enrolled in a variety of majors, and each participant must perform 40 hours of community service per academic year, in addition to other requirements including maintaining good academic standing, making continued academic progress, and participation in both personal and financial counseling sessions.

For more information visit www.marianuniversity.edu/wfp, call Working Families Program Director Kerry Strupp at 920-923-8953, or email wfg@marianuniversity.edu.