UPLIFTING PARENTS Program (Program UP)

The Uplifting Parents Program (Program UP) was created to empower single parent families by providing resources to support their advancement in education. The goal is to assist lower-income single parents to acquire the education needed to become financially sustainable, and thus provide stability and opportunity for their children. Catholic Social Services (CSS) works with over thirty coalition partner agencies in the community to develop the program.

Program Components

• Scholarship funds/stipends
• Program evaluation
• Mentoring & support services
• Parenting classes
• Financial counseling & classes
• Group activities
• PEER UP Advisory Council

Eligibility Criteria

• Single parent seeking advancement in higher education
• Degree completion in 6-24 months
• Currently parenting or expecting
• Must be referred by coalition partners and fill out an application
• Must be self-motivated and interested in strengthening themselves and family
• Must be able to travel to Rapid City for meetings and classes
• Participant must demonstrate a history of stability and potential to follow through with program requirements
• Not presently struggling with addiction or substance abuse
• Preference given to lower income participants
• May be male or female
• All religious affiliations/denominations welcome

How to Apply

Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunity Partnership

Notre Dame’s Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) is implementing a randomized control study on Program UP. The purpose of this research is to: 1) Create evidence based results that could be used to inform policy makers, and 2) Create a standardized process so the program can be replicated in other locations. There are more applicants to Program UP than the program can serve, and we want everyone eligible to have a fair chance of being part of the program, so a lottery will be conducted to determine which eligible applicants receive Program UP services. Those not chosen for a spot in Program UP will receive referrals to other community agencies.  For more information about LEO please visit their website at: https://leo.nd.edu/

Vucurevich Foundation Partnership

The John T. Vucurevich Foundation (JTVF) has partnered with Catholic Social Services to provide additional funding for the Uplifting Parents Program. The Uplifting Parents Program’s approach with single parents and their children is a great example of the JTVF cradle to career continuum of success funding strategy. Their generous contribution has helped the significant expansion and success of Program UP!