Today’s Students Coalition released a coalition letter to members of Congress today, signed on by 80 organizations and institutions, and 177 advocates expressing their strong support for increased funding for the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program in the FY27 appropriations bill. CCAMPIS is the only federal program dedicated to providing critical support for parenting students by assisting with the cost of child care for low-income students in postsecondary settings.

Millions of college students are raising children and the demand for affordable and reliable child care far exceeds available resources. As parenting students strive to provide a better life for themselves and their children, they also face acute financial, work, and caregiving demands that become significant barriers to persistence and completion in higher education.

In the letter, the Coalition also highlights research and data, including:

• Urban Institute’s analysis demonstrating the benefits of supporting student parents to taxpayers
• U.S. Department of Education’s study, showing that parenting students with access to reliable and affordable child care through CCAMPIS have a persistence rate of 75%
• A recent survey from The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs of more than 17,000 parenting students, 86% of respondents reported that their child care arrangement was unaffordable

TSC’s letter expresses deep appreciation for Congress’ investment in CCAMPIS, asking for continued support in the FY27 appropriations bill and a robust increase in funding to move the program toward the $500 million needed.

READ OUR LETTER