Alamo Colleges and YMCA of Greater San Antonio Partner to Offer Childcare Solutions for Student Parents

San Antonio is seeing a novel initiative aimed at supporting student parents and working families, thanks to a freshly announced partnership between the Alamo Colleges District and the YMCA of Greater San Antonio. The program is set to address a critical need for affordable childcare while also facilitating the pursuit of higher education. On Wednesday, Dr. Mike Flores, chancellor of the Alamo Colleges District, cited that approximately 20% of their students are also parents, underscoring the importance of such support. "We are proud to begin this partnership with the YMCA to enhance the support we offer our student parents who may be balancing a family and pursuing their educational and career goals," Dr. Flores stated in a press release mentioned by KSAT.

The partnership has launched on-campus day camp options this summer, significantly impacting access to childcare. Exploring hope to expand these opportunities further, the institutions are looking into how to grow their programs. According to Alamo Colleges District's news release, this initiative provides care and enrichment activities such as field trips to local cultural destinations, aiming to ease the lives of student parents.

For Louis Lopez, CEO and President at the YMCA of Greater San Antonio, this collaboration goes beyond facilities and camps.“The YMCA is dedicated to supporting families and removing barriers to education. Together with Alamo Colleges District, the YMCA is providing quality childcare options on campus. We are empowering student parents to pursue their educational and career goals confidently,” he told KSAT, highlighting the YMCA's commitment to empowering parents educationally and professionally.

Accessible childcare has proven a valuable asset for the families involved. Desaree Machuca, mother of six and a Y summer day camp parent, shares her appreciation in a statement obtained by Alamo Colleges District. “They innately assume that YMCA people are their people. And I love that. It’s priceless to trust that my kids are safe and having fun while I am working. Knowing where they are and what they’re doing is a huge relief and doing things they enjoy. Thank you to the Alamo Colleges leadership team and the YMCA for providing my kids a fun and safe place this summer,” said Machuca, whose children, whenever seeing someone wearing a YMCA T-shirt or tag, approach for a greeting or fist bump, assuming they're their people.

Currently, students, faculty, and staff from Northeast Lakeview College and Northwest Vista College can register their children for the YMCA Summer Day Camp program, which caters to youngsters aged 5 to 13. Running weekly until August 2, with the provision of hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., the service is closed on July 4 and July 5. While non-members are required to pay $175 weekly, there is a 10% markdown for YMCA members. To join the waitlist for Northwest Vista College's summer day camp or to find out more information, visit their website or get in touch with the Y Solution Center directly at (210) 924-2277 or [email protected].