Women In Transition

An innovative program helps single mothers earn college degrees.
 
Everything was on track for Brenda James when she graduated in the top percentile from Bloomfield High School and went on to Virginia State University. But then she discovered she was pregnant.

 Life often derails plans for the future.  But losing out on a college education has a steep price tag.  In 2005, a college graduate could expect to earn about $25,000 more than someone with only a high school diploma, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

"I had to step up to the plate for my daughter," said Brenda.  That meant finding a job.  "Without a college degree, I had to take lower-paying jobs.  I had the ability to learn, but not the credentials."

Then Brenda learned about the Women In Transition program at Charter Oak State College.  The program provides an opportunity for underemployed, single mothers with some college credit to complete a degree online, without barriers such as childcare and transportation.  Students receive laptops and printers, textbooks, Internet access, financial aid, and career counseling.

"As a single mother with a full-time job, I didn't think I could pull off college," said Brenda.  "This program was an answer to my prayers."

Now armed with an associate's degree, and well on her way to a bachelor's degree, Brenda feels like she's living up to her potential.  And the benefits extend well beyond a better paying job.

"My daughter sees the determination in me."  Brenda's daughter, now 20, is working toward a degree in criminal justice and serves as a police cadet.  "She has learned through my experiences - she won't be a statistic."

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