‘1 in 5’ Season 2 Episode 1: Meet Daria Willis

Dr. Daria Willis brings her extensive education and her own experience as a student parent to her role as president of Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland. Daria had her daughter, Lyric, during her first year in college. She shares how keenly she felt the social stigma of being a single parent. It took a perceptive administrator to notice that she needed help with childcare, and thanks to the continued support of those around her, Daria graduated and went on to pursue both a master’s degree and a doctorate.

Daria became a leader in the world of higher education, and in 2021, the Aspen Institute named Dr. Daria Willis an Ascend Fellow, recognizing her work and dedication to empowering children and families across the country. 

Reporter Sophia Fox-Sowell brings us her story.

Project Self Sufficiency is a resource for low-income, single parent families, which aims to achieve economic independence through higher education. They offer an array of support with adult education, including scholarships, child care assistance, and financial assistance such as money for textbooks.

ECMC Foundation’s Single Mother Student Success Initiative is a $10 million effort to increase associate degree attainment rates among single mother students.

Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program supports the participation of low-income parents in postsecondary education through the provision of campus-based child care services.