Uplifting Parents Eligibility Review
Mission: To create stability and greater opportunities for single parent families through relationship-based mentoring and wraparound supports throughout their higher-education journey.
We work toward this mission by providing support and resources to single parent students through five essential elements:
- Mentorship
- Financial Literacy & Assistance
- Case Management
- Parenting Education
- Community of Support
Mentoring is the heart of the program and helps provide the holistic services and support that will assist you in completing your degree or certification and achieving economic stability for your family.
ELIGIBILITY
The Uplifting Parents program provides support to single parent students. To be eligible for Uplifting Parents, candidates must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Single (unmarried) parent currently enrolled in higher education in a qualifying degree or certificate program
- Degree or program completion within 6-24 months
- Currently parenting at least 50% of the time or expectant mother
- Be able to provide at least one reference. Examples: School faculty or staff member, employer, Social Services agency (WIC/TANF/Dept. of Labor, etc.), or child’s school or daycare
- Be self-motivated and interested in strengthening yourself and your family
- Be able to travel to Rapid City for meetings and classes at least twice per month
- Demonstrate a history of stability and potential to follow through with program requirements
- Not currently (or within the last 6 months) struggling with addiction or substance abuse
REQUIREMENTS
Accepted participants will be required to:
- Actively initiate and engage in scheduling mentoring sessions
- Communicate significant life changes (e.g. employment, housing, withdrawing from classes, etc.) to their mentor
- Complete classes and/or workshops that align with individual goals
- Participate in group events
- Provide evidence of enrollment for each semester
- Provide grades and cumulative GPA at the end of each semester
- Complete periodic surveys as requested
ADMISSION PROCESS
- Complete this Eligibility Review.
- Look for an email from an UP team member informing you of your eligibility.
- If you are determined to be eligible, the email will provide an invitation to apply along with a link to the full application. The full application must be completed within 5 days of receiving the link.
- Once your application is received, an UP team member will contact you by phone to set up an interview.
- The UP team member will also send a survey to your referral or reference partner.
- Attend your interview (in-person, scheduled for 90 minutes).
- After your interview, the UP team will staff all interview participants using an established rating system to determine acceptance into the UP program.
- You will be notified by phone if you have been accepted.
- If not accepted, a letter will be mailed with information on why you were not accepted at this time.
The following questions will allow us to complete an initial review of your eligibility. It is NOT the full and complete application.
All fields marked with an asterisk are required.