College Assistance for Parenting and Education (CAPE)
The federally funded College Assistance for Parenting and Education project (CAPE) allows Western Michigan University to provide a support system for both parents and children. CAPE offers financial, academic and social support programs for parents to help them graduate from college.
Federal funding allows CAPE to offer Pell – eligible student parents at WMU reduced child care tuition by paying $150 per week of the child care tuition at 3 partner child care centers in the community. Parents must be enrolled in classes each semester to receive the reduced child care rate.
The project director will monitor participants’ progress toward graduation by reviewing academic records. Individual consultation with CAPE project directors is available to help students get tutoring and other academic help.
Throughout the semester there will be a variety of opportunities for families to play and learn together at parent meetings and community workshops. CAPE participants are required to attend at least 3 activities per year.
Who is eligible for CAPE?
- Enrolled as a student at Western Michigan University
- Pell Grant in your financial aid package for undergraduate students verified by the CAPE project director. Graduate students must include the information provided by the Financial Aid Estimator as proof of your financial aid status.
- Have a child enrolled in one of the 3 partner childcare centers listed in the table below.
| Name | KinderCare | Learning Village | New Genesis |
| Location | 3939 W. Main St. Kalamazoo, MI 49006 | 215 Lake Street Kalamazoo, MI 49001 | 1225 W. Patterson St. Kalamazoo, MI 49007 |
| Ages | 6 weeks to 12 years | 3 weeks to 5 years | 6 weeks to 5 years |
| Hours | 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. | 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. | 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
| Rates Infant/Toddler | Part-time = $170 Full-time = $230 | Part-time =NA Full-time = $290 | Part-time = $280 Full-time = $370 |
| Rates Preschool | Part-time = $150 Full-time = $200 | Part-time = NA Full-time = $235 (potty-trained); $290 (non-potty-trained) | Part-time = $225 Full-time = $300 |
| Additional funding | No additional funding for this program. | Great Start Readiness Program = Free 4 year old preschool program for 36 weeks Kalamazoo County Ready 4s = Sliding fee rate for preschool for 3 and 4 year olds | Great Start Readiness Program = Free 4 year old preschool program for 36 weeks Kalamazoo County Ready 4s = Sliding fee rate for preschool for 3 and 4 year olds |
What are the requirements for CAPE?
- Attend the required number of family activities
- Agree to retrieval of your academic records (all reports use the aggregate statistical information gathered from all participants, no individual is mentioned or reported separately)
- Continue to be enrolled in at least one class at WMU
- Continue to meet your financial obligations at the partner child care center
- Continue to meet enrollment requirements at the partner child care center
How do I join CAPE?
Complete the online application. The project directors will review your application. If you meet eligibility requirements and agree to fulfill the requirements of the program you will be enrolled in the program. Enrollment is on a first come, first served, basis until all funding has been allocated.
Application deadlines
Spring 2025 - December 1, 2024
Summer 1 and 2 (2025) - April 1, 2025
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