Baltimore City Schools Support Pregnant and Parenting Students with Resource Fair

Three years after dropping out of high school due to the birth of her son, Ja’niya Jones has returned to the classroom, thanks to support from a re-engagement center. At a recent resource fair hosted by Baltimore City Public Schools, she shared her journey and aspirations for higher education.

The event, held at Excel Academy within Francis M Wood High School, was designed to connect pregnant and parenting students with essential resources. Attendees had access to daycare options, assistance with school re-enrollment, and applications for programs like WIC (The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children).

Students left the fair with supplies including baby wipes, strollers, car seats, and diapers. Rinata Tanks, coordinator of the Re-Engagement Center and Alternative Program Supports, emphasized the importance of outreach efforts like this fair, stating that many students want to attend school but face challenges such as lack of daycare and support.

Excel Academy offers a daycare center and additional services such as toiletries, clothing, and shoes through its wellness boutique. Jones, now serving as class president, credited these resources with enabling her to return to school while managing her responsibilities as a parent.

“Sometimes I don't have the financial support, or I don't have the money to buy all of my household needs to meet myself or my son,” Jones explained. The daycare has alleviated her childcare concerns, allowing both her and her son to benefit from education.

As she works towards her high school diploma, Jones is also training to become a certified nurse assistant at It Works Learning Center in West Baltimore, with aspirations of becoming a doctor one day.

This year, Baltimore City Public Schools has identified nearly 700 students who are at least 18 years old and disengaged, with about 10% being pregnant or parenting. Currently, the school system is actively working with 70 such students, but Tanks noted that many more could benefit from support. Parents under 21 are encouraged to reach out to the re-engagement center for assistance.

“We're always looking for students who want to get back in school,” Tanks said.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WYPR (source).