MCC Daily Tribune

WROC highlights MCC research, testimonial related to Governor's proposal to fund on-campus child care

On February 22, WROC reporter Kayla Green interviewed Mary Ann Matta DeMario, Ph.D. (Research) and Melissa Santiago (Financial Aid) for the segment "Governor proposes program to fund child care at community colleges." The interviews took place at the Richard M. Guon Child Care Center at the Brighton Campus.

Governor Cuomo's proposal would provide single parents who are community college students with support services to help students overcome barriers to completing their studies. Dr. DeMario's research proves that student-parents who utilize the Guon Child Care Center graduate at a rate three times higher than their counterparts who do not take advantage of on-campus child care. Her research has received national and state recognition. With the Governor's proposal, Dr. DeMario says, "We really have a chance to affect multiple generations."

Santiago shared her experience as a student-parent who relied on the Guon Child Care Center to care for her daughter while earning her associate degree at MCC and advanced degrees at other colleges. Today, Santiago's son attends the center.

Thanks to everyone, including Guon Child Care Center Director Anne Barker, for participating in and assisting with the interview.

Rosanna Yule
Marketing and Community Relations
02/25/2019