The Family Economic Security Program
In Fairfield County, nearly 20,000 households are headed by women with children under 18. To just “get by” in Fairfield County, a small family with one adult and two young children needs an income of at least $60,000.
Yet women who work full time in Fairfield County earn a median income of $49,700.
Higher education is a proven path to better earnings, yet a college scholarship is not enough for women supporting dependents. Juggling child care, work, class attendance, study time and running a household make it nearly impossible to pursue the education they need to move up to better-paying careers.
A Bold Vision and Strategic Partnership
The Foundation’s Fund for Women and Girls initiated a partnership with Norwalk Community College and the Norwalk Community College Foundation to create the Family Economic Security Program. It’s an adaptation of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s successful Center for Working Families model.
In this five-year pilot program, low and medium-wage students supporting dependents receive tuition assistance, career guidance, achievement coaching, personal finance guidance, and financial assistance for childcare and transportation.
The goal is for up to 100 Norwalk Community College students to complete their Associate degree, transfer to a four-year college and earn a Bachelor’s degree, then enter careers that pay a family-sustaining salary.
How You Can Help
- Bring a friend to the Fund for Women and Girls’ annual luncheon on April 4, 2012.
- Make a tax deductible and secure online contribution to the Fund for Women and Girls.
- To make a planned gift, or contribute securities or other assets, please contact Suzanne Brown Peters, Director of the Fund for Women and Girls, 203.750.3208.
|
