TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Stillman College has been awarded a grant to develop the Stillman-Brown Memorial Child Care Program, an initiative that will provide child care services to more than 100 students who are parents on campus. The grant is being awarded by the Alabama Power Foundation.
The child care program is a partnership between Stillman College and Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church, which was established by Stillman’s Founder, Reverend Dr. Charles Stillman, in 1880. The church’s assembly and Sunday school area will be renovated to be used as a state-certified child care facility.
Representatives from Stillman and the Alabama Power Foundation met on campus Monday to announce the grant, which will provide funding for the renovations and the establishment of the center.
“Access to childcare for our students has been a major challenge for the campus,” said Dr. Cynthia Warrick, Stillman College president. “This important gift from the Alabama Power Foundation expresses their timely support and will make a major impact on our student parents’ ability to complete their degree.”
Stillman recently received a grant from the Aspen Institute to develop a plan to support the needs of student parents. This plan laid the groundwork for the development of the Stillman-Brown Memorial Child Care Program. The college plans for the child care center to become licensed by the Child Care Services Division of the Alabama Department of Human Resources, which requires renovations and upgrades to the current space to meet requirements for child care. Additionally, the center will identify and contract with a licensed child care management company to oversee the day-to-day operations, record-keeping, and financial management of the center.
Stillman plans to seek supplemental grants to raise funds to subsidize the costs of child care for students who are also eligible for the state child care subsidy. The center will also facilitate opportunities for education and child development majors to volunteer and gain experiential learning.
“As a member of the business community, Alabama Power recognizes that child care continues to be a barrier for many families, which affects the development of our overall workforce,” said Jill Stork, Alabama Power Western Division Vice President. “I am grateful for the support of the Alabama Power Foundation to Stillman College, and so appreciative to Dr. Warrick for having the vision of this center. I know this child care program will greatly impact the students on campus by ensuring they are better positioned for success in their educational journey.”
The child care center will begin phase one of its renovations beginning this fall. It is estimated that the project will take approximately six months to complete, so students will have use of the facility, given the required certifications by Fall 2024.
“We can’t thank Alabama Power Foundation enough for this support that will positively impact our campus and community,” Warrick said.
