Basic Needs Parenting Scholar Intern At — Basic Needs Initiative/Care Manager

In an effort to support the success of parenting students at CSUMB, Basic Needs is pleased to introduce The CSUMB Parenting Scholars Program, starting Fall 2023! The Program is funded through the tremendous generosity of CSUMB donor and founding Board Member, Debbie Juran, who donated the initial $20,000 to start the program. The program seeks to ensure the academic, personal and financial wellbeing of parenting students by providing financial assistance and holistic support, the ‘OTTER’ way! O- Otter led T- Targeted support T- Teamwork E- Engagement R- Rent & Food Support Otter Led: Support looks different for each otter, the program will let the otter lead the way and describe what support looks like to them. For some that may include a part-time schedule and a longer journey, while others may need to expedite their journey with a full-course load and more childcare. The case manager will work 1-1 with each parenting student to guide their experience. Targeted Support: Through monthly 1-1 meetings with the case manager, parenting students will receive wrap-around resources and referrals to support the situation at the moment. This may include farmers market coupons, grocery deliveries, referrals to the Personal Growth and Counseling Center or The Student Disability and Accessibility Center. The Case Manager may also provide support in getting connected to community or state benefits such as Cal-Fresh or Cal-Works. For parenting students who may find themselves in crisis, a referral to the Care Manager may also be provided in order to receive academic accommodations. Teamwork: Building a support team is crucial to the success of students at CSUMB. The case manager will assist parenting students in expanding their already established network of supporters, by introducing them to other parenting students, academic/career advisors, and counselors working with student support programs. The program will also include monthly group support meetings to encourage peer-to-peer support and advice. Engagement: In order for parenting students to fully immerse themselves in campus life, the program will assist parenting students in becoming connected with student activities, organizations, and professional opportunities. The program will also engage the student’s family in the process, as it is just as important for the children to feel connected and engaged while on campus. All program events and meetings will be family friendly and will provide childcare and food! The program will also collaborate with other campus partners and organizations to host events targeted for the whole family, such as Family Friendly, CSUMB’s student-led organization. Rent and Food Support: The program will provide financial stipends to subsidize the higher costs of housing that parenting students pay compared to individual college students. Parenting students will receive support for 8 months of rent (Sept-May) and an on-campus meal plan to be redeemed in the dining commons only