Cal State San Bernardino will expand affordable childcare for student parents and develop new pathways to STEM and health care careers with nearly $4.9 million in federal grants announced by U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33).

The two U.S. Department of Education grants, totaling $4,871,289, will help students pursue their degrees while addressing childcare needs and expanding academic and career opportunities for low-income and rural students. Aguilar supported the university’s application for the career-focused funding with a letter to the department.

“Whether you’re a new parent in school or come from a working-class community, where you start out shouldn’t decide whether you finish a degree and land a good-paying job,” Aguilar said.

The larger award, a $3,541,904 grant through the Child Care Access Means Parents in School program, will provide affordable childcare for Pell Grant-eligible undergraduates whose children range in age from 6 months to 12 years. The support will allow student parents to continue their education while their children receive quality care.

A second grant of $1,329,385, through the Strengthening Institutions Program, will help CSUSB develop academic programs and career pathways in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, known as STEM, and health care.

The university will use that funding to invest in educational outreach, create undergraduate research opportunities and connect low-income and rural students with internships and apprenticeships related to careers in those fields.

“I am proud to announce this funding for CSUSB, which will provide childcare support for student parents so they can stay in school and expand academic opportunities in STEM and healthcare for low-income students,” Aguilar said. “I’m excited to see how these grants help Inland Empire residents of all backgrounds be successful.”

CSUSB President Terri Gómez thanked the Department of Education for the awards and credited Aguilar’s advocacy for the university and the region.

“Cal State San Bernardino is grateful to the U.S. Department of Education for awarding the university nearly $4.9 million through two grants: the Strengthening Institutions and Child Care Access Means Parents in School programs,” Gómez said. “The $1.3 million Strengthening Institutions grant will expand educational and career pathways in STEM and health care and strengthen support for low-income and rural students. The $3.5 million Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant will help student parents continue their education by providing access to essential childcare services.

“We sincerely thank Congressman Pete Aguilar for his continued advocacy on behalf of CSUSB and the Inland Empire, including his letter supporting our Strengthening Institutions Program application,” Gómez said. “His partnership helps the university expand opportunity, improve student success and prepare graduates to meet the workforce needs of our region.”