Western Tech Misses Childcare Grant for Student Parents

Western Technical College in La Crosse did not receive the federal CCAMPIS grant that would have expanded childcare for student parents.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Child Care

Western Tech Misses Childcare Grant for Student Parents

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Western Technical College did not receive the CCAMPIS grant, which would have funded childcare for student parents, after requesting just under $1 million over four years. The grant was awarded to 40 institutions nationwide, and no Wisconsin institution received it.

Why it matters

The college estimates 300 to 500 student parents attend, and the rejection could disrupt plans to work and continue their education. Officials were not given an explanation for why the college was not selected.

The college requested just under $1 million over four years for the CCAMPIS grant, which went to 40 institutions across the country. No Wisconsin institution received an award, and the college learned of the decision in October.

The players

Western Technical College

A public technical college in La Crosse, Wisconsin, offering associate degrees and technical certificates to a large student body that includes many student parents.

The details

The grant would have let the college expand its childcare program to days when classes are not in session and during the summer. Western Technical College is now accepting donations to support student parents while it seeks other ways to fill the gap.

October: Western Technical College learned it would not receive the CCAMPIS grant.

Seasonal Patterns

The CCAMPIS program is a federal competitive grant designed to help low-income student parents complete college by funding on-campus child care. The rejection of Western Technical College shows how a single national award round can leave some institutions with no federal support for student-parent childcare.

Student parents who relied on the proposed expanded childcare may need to arrange alternative care for summer and non-class days. Those affected can look to the college's donation drive for support while the childcare gap is addressed.

The takeaway

Competitive federal grants can leave local institutions without expected support, so student parents should plan childcare around academic calendars and check campus resources early. Community donations are one immediate way residents can help bridge the gap.