United Way's 'WomenRise' program offers childcare scholarships for single mothers

United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg has opened its annual WomenRise scholarship program, which aims to empower single mothers by eliminating childcare costs while they pursue their college degrees or professional credentials.

This year, the program will award a total of $110,000 in childcare scholarships to single mothers across the United Way’s 13 localities, including Henrico County. In Virginia, the average annual cost for infant care is $14,277 – nearly half the median income for single mothers.

For ALICE families – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – this can put stability just out of reach, according to United Way officials. The length of the scholarships varies depending on the recipients’ individual education plans.

“In our region, 81% of single female-headed households are living below the ALICE threshold, meaning they do not earn enough to meet the basic cost of living,” said Chief Impact Officer at United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg Katina Williams. “When we remove barriers like the high cost of childcare and open doors to educational opportunities, we give these mothers a real chance to secure family-sustaining incomes. This support lays the foundation for long-term stability and creates a path for their families to not just survive but truly thrive.”

In addition to childcare scholarships, participants benefit from mentorship, access to educational resources, emergency financial assistance, and a supportive network of women working toward similar goals.

“This innovative program is working to improve educational outcomes for our local families,” said Barbara Couto Sipe, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg. “I’m proud that we offer WomenRise to help moms achieve their dreams. Thanks to our donors and philanthropy partners, United Way can come alongside these moms to support a pathway to financial stability.”

To learn more about the WomenRise program or to apply, visit United Way’s website.

United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg also is seeking donations from local residents, businesses, and organizations to sustain the WomenRise program and expand its impact. The upcoming fundraising phase will help determine the number of WomenRise scholarship recipients and the amount of each scholarship.

For details or to make a contribution, click here or email womenrise@yourunitedway.org.