CCAMPIS stands for Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools. It is a federally funded program, granted to colleges and universities to assist student parents with childcare costs to ensure that they graduate.
CCAMPIS was awarded on Sept. 1, 2022. Regina Barnett Tyler, Associate Vice Provost, and Chief Student Officer of Student Success and Engagement, wrote a grant. From there VSU began to get the effort off the ground.
The university managed to obtain partnerships with successful organizations and businesses such as FamilyU. The student parent population is serviced and recognized on campus, so that all student parents’ needs are met.
“Our mission here at Virginia State University is graduation,” Director Tamekia Johnson Dover said.
CCAMPIS, unfortunately, is only able to pay childcare costs for parents. CCAMPIS provides childcare for children of all ages before and after school. All other needs are out of pocket and/or sponsored. However, the hope is to acquire community-based resources to build funds and continue to be able to assist students with all needs including, but not limited to, childcare.
CCAMPIS has resources for VSU parents and their children. There is a food pantry on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Foster Hall, and a clothing closet on the fourth floor to help students in extreme situations.
There is a family study room located in room 224 on the second floor of the library.
CCAMPIS advocated for lactation stations and available refrigeration methods for mothers who are super busy in between feedings. Changing tables have also been placed in some of the newer or renovated buildings in the family restrooms.
Visibility and engagement are key factors to keep CCAMPIS running smoothly and effectively. The overall goal is to eliminate stigmas and ideologies. People may feel that asking for help is a form of weakness; however, it is in fact a strength. Allowing CCAMPIS to advocate for one’s actual needs is a major way to ensure success and longevity.
“You are heard, you are valuable, and you are supported,” Dover said.
“Sometimes the test is not for you, it’s for others… Right now is not your ending, life is full of blank pages and sometimes we put a period where there should be a comma… erase some of those periods.”
CCAMPIS was put in place to help parents ease back into college life for their degree.
“Having kids does not stop your life journey from what you are called to do, if anything they are the inspiration to keep you moving forward each and every day. I know you are probably thinking you don’t belong, but CCAMPIS is a village that keeps you grounded to make sure your light shines bright so your kid(s) can see how bright it is,” Jameshia Johnson said.
It is important to engage in CCAMPIS or other organizations that are here to help for that matter. Be a part of the legacy that is happening here at VSU.
To know more, follow @vsuccampis and be on the lookout for upcoming events and engagements.
