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Empowerment can be a catalyst for single mothers to change the direction of their lives.

See It! Believe It! Achieve It!

What is the single mother’s student success scholar program?

The Single Mothers Student Success Scholar Program provides single mothers and young women aged 18-28 with mentoring, a supportive network of staff and like-minded peers, and other vital, wrap-around services to help them earn their degrees or career training certificates.

Scholars receive academic, career, workplace, and Elevate, and Empower training throughout the year to facilitate academic, personal and professional success. These include, but are not limited to, life skills, health and wellness, work-life-balance, and other application topics. Community experts provide subject matter expertise, knowledge, and skills to promote empowerment and self-sufficiency.

We currently operate in:

  • San Diego County

 

What do Scholars receive?

SMSS promotes and supports the success of our Scholars by providing a variety of trainings and workshop series designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel academically, personally, and professionally. All training sessions are designed to provide Scholars an opportunity to enhance and/or discover their full potential.

Academic Support

Our Arriving Ready for Academic Success workshop series provides a foundational skill-building orientation to academic strategies and behaviors necessary for academic success and retention in a post-secondary environment.

Career Readiness Support

Supportive staff provide guidance designed to assist program participants to think through higher education planning, set career goals, apply for jobs and prepare for interviews.

Workplace Readiness Support

Scholars receive comprehensive, interactive training designed to equip them with the essential skills needed to thrive in professional environments, while fostering strong professional habits and a growth mindset.

Trainings

Our Elevate and Empower trainings proved Scholars with added informational and awareness topics useful to women of varying ages and interest. Training sessions are designed to further promote individual empowerment.

Together Team Mentoring Program

Single mothers and young women Scholars aged 18-24 are matched with a caring, accomplished, professional female mentor who works with you one-on-one until you graduate. Mentors provide friendship, emotional support, and guidance to balance your life as you pursue your higher education endeavors.

Emergency Funding

Access to emergency fund for financial crisis.

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Who is eligible for the Scholar Program?

To be eligible for the Scholar program, you must meet the requirements below. For eligibility-related questions, please contact dee.s@smss-sandiego.org

  • Single mother or young women aged 18-28 (assigned sex at birth female)

  • Single mothers with at least one child under the age of 12, living with you at the time of acceptance

  • U.S. Citizen and residing in San Diego County

  • Receiving government assistance (CalWorks, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medi-Cal, Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF), Section 8 Housing, Women, Infants & Children (WIC)

  • High School or G.E.D graduate

  • Attending or planning to attend a Not-for-Profit San Diego County College or Career Training program and seeking a two-or-four-year (associates and/or bachelors) degree or a career training certificate

  • Taking or planning to take a minimum of 6 credits each semester, working towards an associates and/or bachelor’s degree or career training certificate

  • Submit a copy of your Student Aid Report/FAFSA (if eligible)

  • Ability and willingness to participate in SMSS Scholar training sessions

What is required of a Single Mothers Student Success Scholar?

  • Enroll in an accredited not-for-profit college or career training program

  • Commit to Single Mothers Student Success for at least one (1) academic school year

  • Attend an initial academic-readiness workshop in July, if you are a first-time Scholar (defined as those who have never enrolled in a college or a career training program)

  • Complete 6 credits per semester towards an associate, bachelor’s or career training certificate at a non-for-profit San Diego County college or career training program

  • Submit mid-term and final grades each semester

  • Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above

  • Communicate with your mentor at least 2-3 times a month (this applies to single mothers and young women aged 18-24)

  • Respond to communication from Single Mothers Student Success staff within 24-hours