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BRIGHAM CITY — A program at Utah State University that helps parents go back to school is getting a lot of attention and hopes for expansion.
Patricia Bravo says the program is changing her family's life. She has four children but never got her college degree. Recently she found that her family needed more income.
"I never thought college was an option for me," said Bravo. She thought about taking online classes, then she found the Students with Children Program at Utah State University's Brigham City campus. It offers help, counseling, support with classes, and child care.
"I know that my children are safe and they are only a few doors down from me. I'm in class and they are down the hall," she said.
Program coordinator Melissa Thomas says the Students with Children Program is for anyone, moms or dads, single, divorced, unemployed or whatever, to help them start school and stay in school.
- brighamcity.usu.edu/prospective_students/students_with_children_program.cfm
- Email Melissa.thomas@usu.edu
- Call 435-919-1248
"This program has had great success in helping those people who don't know where to turn and don't know where to go but know they need that education," said Thomas.
"You will face obstacles while you are going to school and trying to balance a family as well," she continued.
Thomas said there's talk of expanding the program past the Brigham City campus.
"It's very intimidating to think about going to college when you are older and have kids and a job, but it's worth the sacrifice of being tired and stressed. It is worth it," said Bravo.
She hopes it shows her children the importance of going to college and finishing college.
