UMass Lowell understands that being a parent and a student presents its own unique challenges. We are committed to helping students who are parents achieve their goals here at UMass Lowell by assisting them get connected to campus and community resources. We hope the information provided here is a useful starting point.
University Resources
- UML Strive is committed to supporting students through access to food, housing and additional resources to succeed at UMass Lowell.
- UMass Lowell’s Off-Campus Housing Website provides a listing of apartment rentals available in the Lowell area.
- Strive Food Pantry provides many non-perishable foods, toiletries, school supplies and more.
- Support Our Students (SOS) provides one free meal per class day. Students must complete an application for this program.
- University Dining welcomes children of students to eat in campus dining halls for the door rate fee or by swiping a guest meal.
Community Resources
- Community Teamwork Inc. is a local housing agency, that works with youth and young adults around housing insecurity and homelessness. They also have resources around utility and rental assistance.
- Lowell Family Resource Center is a great resource for parenting and international students as they have knowledge of additional local resources in the area.
- Community Resources on the Strive website
- TuftsMedicine provides a search engine for finding many resources, including childcare and financial assistance, food pantries, medical care and other free or reduced-cost help starts. See the results for Lowell, MA (ZIP code 01852).
- The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides a search engine for finding licensed family, group, or school-age childcare programs.
- Check out these After-School Programs and Summer Programs in Lowell.
- The Solution Center is the first point of contact for questions about financial aid, billing and registration. One of our primary goals is to assist students with developing a plan that will lessen the stress of financing a college education, while supporting your family.
- A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be filed by students eligible for this benefit each year to get eligibility for grants and subsidized loans. The FAFSA application opens October 1; UMass Lowell’s priority deadline is March 1 (for the following academic year).
- The One Family Scholar Program provides individualized academic and career coaching to single parents with low incomes in college in Massachusetts. One Family Scholars receive scholarships to cover direct costs of college – such as tuition, fees, books and technology, as well as indirect costs of college – such as childcare, transportation and living expenses.
- Office of National Scholarship Advisement at UMass Lowell (UML)
- Merit Scholarships
- Student parents are encouraged to research and apply for any and all additional scholarships you may be eligible for.
- Little River Hawk Wishes is a program designed to support parenting UMass Lowell students that are also experiencing financial challenges and hardships. The program provides resources that will be used to purchase holiday gifts, birthday gifts and school supplies for the children of UMass Lowell students.
- The River Hawk Scholars Academy is an inclusive program that supports all students who have chosen to join us in their journey toward academic success. We will work with our campus partners to make sure any pregnant or parenting students are as at home at UMass Lowell and able to succeed as any other student. Benefits of becoming a River Hawk Scholar include priority registration, unique opportunities for scholarships, additional advisors and a support team.
- Academic Services
- Office of Multicultural Affairs
We know that student parents often have to prioritize their families and studies, but don’t forget that there are resources at UMass Lowell designed to support your physical, emotional and intellectual health! Check out these free resources:
Check out the Lowell Parent Group on Facebook! “Welcome to the Lowell Parent Group. This group was created for Lowell parents to share information. This is not part of Lowell Public schools, or the Lowell Parent councils. Posts and membership is at the discretion of the Admin. We have a strict no hijacking or trolling policy.”