Women’s Foundation of Oklahoma awards grant supporting single mother students to Rose State College Published April 21, 2016 by Ali Sexton

Rose State College was awarded the Single Mother Academic Resource Team (SMART) grant for the second year in a row. In its first year, the grant funded workshops for single parents enrolled at the college were designed to connect the parents with resources to help them reach their goal of completing a college degree. 

This year, the workshops will continue and the funds will also help the coordinators reach students one-on-one for emotional support as they pursue a college degree.  A book discussion group will also be started to help connect single parents with others on campus overcoming similar obstacles. 

Monique Bruner, one of the grant coordinators, says she is “proud of the exceptional programs they were able to put on last year” and she believes we were awarded the grant for a second year due to the many student testimonials who spoke of the positive impact the program had on their academic progress.

WFO board chair Gentra Sorem stated, “What we know is that only 1 in 7 Oklahoma women earn a bachelor’s degree and those that do complete their degree will earn $1 million more in lifetime earnings. We are excited to be expanding our reach in serving this important population of women.” Students starting at Rose State College are working towards an associate degree and preparing for the workforce or to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree.

For more information or to get involved with the SMART grant at Rose State, contact Monique Bruner – mbruner@rose.edu or Rick Woodard – rwoodard@rose.edu. 

Photo cutline: Grant coordinators Monique Bruner and Rick Woodard discussing “The Price of Motherhood,” last year’s book selection for discussion groups.