University of Illinois Chicago is a proud recipient of the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant which is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The Little Sparks Program will use grant funds to support student-parents as they complete their education by providing childcare funding and wrap-around support. The Little Sparks Program works to be a bridge between the community of UIC parenting students and the host of on-campus resources designed to support their well-being and work- life balance.

What we offer:

• Child care tuition assistance for eligible students (slots are limited)
• Diapers, wipes, and formula provided
• Student-parent network & events
• Community resources
• Wraparound support for parenting students

Student-parents can struggle to afford child care while taking courses. This may lead to taking fewer classes, slowing progress to graduation and delaying the start of the higher-wage career they’ve worked toward. The federally funded Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant supports low-income student-parents in earning degrees and credentials by providing grants to colleges and universities to establish or support campus-based childcare programs.

As of October 2023, University of Illinois Chicago became a proud recipient of the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant. The CCAMPIS Grant Program at the University of Illinois Chicago was awarded $500,000 through the competitive grant process. UIC must reapply every four years and future funding is not guaranteed.

The goal of the CCAMPIS Program is to help student-parents:

• Remain enrolled in classes
• Enroll in a higher course load to shorten the amount of time it takes to earn a degree
• Graduate with a degree that opens doors to obtaining employment