Program Director of the Hiersteiner Child Development Center, Courtney Hultgren, and the
Executive Director of the JCCC Foundation, Joy Ginsburg, discuss funding efforts for the
CCAMPIS-eligible student parents, and they will continue to receive 100% childcare
funding for the Spring and Summer 2027 semesters. Photo By: Manahil Fatima

The JCCC Foundation is funding 15 student parents who lost CCAMPIS grant support, ensuring they can attend and complete the school year with funding for spring and summer 2027. 

In an announcement sent to student parents on Nov. 4, Courtney Hultgren, director of the Hiersteiner Child Development Center, wrote:  

“We are writing with encouraging news regarding child care funding for the upcoming semesters,” Hultgren said. “Thanks to the very generous support of the JCCC Foundation, we are pleased to share that current CCAMPIS-eligible student parents will continue to receive 100% child care funding.” 

JCCC Foundation Filled a Void 

The JCCC Foundation filled a void created by the Department of Education’s decision not to select JCCC for the CCAMPIS grant. As a result, the 15 student parents could have been left without childcare funding for the rest of the school year.  

Joy Ginsburg, executive director of the JCCC Foundation, said that since she has been at the Foundation, they have raised more funds for unrestricted scholarships.  

“We have more flexibility when something like this comes up to move money over to support,” Ginsburg said. “It is such a huge priority for me because we want our students to have access to childcare.” 

Student Parents Are Appreciative 

Rachel Sztaba, a second-year student at JCCC enrolled in the Certified Nursing Aide program, is grateful to the JCCC Foundation because, without its generous contribution, she could not have finished the school year. 

“It feels good that I don’t have to worry about the cost of childcare,” Sztaba said. “I’m able to finish up my education.”  

Littlest Students 

The student parents are not the only ones affected by this. This situation also affects the unseen or unheard voices that do not receive enough recognition in the broader grant debate: the children who no longer have access to an accredited childcare facility.  

Joy Ginsburg raised an excellent point when discussing the CCAMPIS grant and what she feels is a major impact of not receiving the grant. It’s what she called the littlest students.  

“You hate for our littlest students, our youngest students, to not be able to continue through the program,” Ginsburg said.  

The Hiersteiner Child Development Center is providing an education to the 17 enrolled children of the student parents.  

“They are learning their numbers and colors and how to interact,” Ginsburg said. “They are receiving a top-notch education from an accredited childcare facility.” 

JCCC Not Selected for CCAMPIS Grant 

The Department of Education intended to award the CCAMPIS grant to more than 148 schools, but it selected only 40 schools nationwide. The Department of Education selected no schools in Kansas. 

On Oct. 3, the Hiersteiner Child Development Center discovered that they had not been selected for the CCAMPIS grant and had to inform student parents that funding would end.  

“I was devastated for families,” Hultgren said. “It’s a huge impact.” 

However, there was funding yet to be spent from CCAMPIS, and the Hiersteiner Child Development Center had to submit that notice by Sept. 30 to use the remaining funds.  

As a result, student parents enrolled in CCAMPIS had their child care covered for the rest of the fall semester. The JCCC Foundation is stepping up to cover the spring and summer 2027 semester for student parents. 

JCCC Will Pursue Additional Funding 

While this funding commitment from the JCCC Foundation provides important stability for spring and summer 2027, JCCC will continue pursuing additional grant and scholarship opportunities and intends to apply for future CCAMPIS funding if the opportunity reopens.  

Anthony Funari, executive director of the Grants, Leadership and Development Office, said the grant is very important for student parents because it gives them the opportunity to take more classes and spend more time on coursework. He also confirmed via email that JCCC would apply for the CCAMPIS grant if it reopened.