The Dr. Betty Shabazz Family Resource Center at City College of San Francisco’s Ocean Campus takes a two-generational approach to support members from all backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and cultures. They have been in operation for over 25 years, supporting parents to take the next step in their education and careers.
The center serves current and prospective students whether they are pursuing a degree, a certificate or taking a few classes, credit or non-credit. They provide student support such as help with admission and enrollment, academic peer support, and computer lab and printing. They also provide services specific to student parents such as case management and referrals, an annual toy drive, free basic supplies like diapers and hygiene products.
One of the most unique and central features of the center is the Parent Exchange Program, which is a licensed exempt childcare co-op. Parents can drop their children off while they are in class or doing homework, so they are able to concentrate on their studies while their children are in a safe space. In exchange, parents volunteer their time to work at the co-op when they are not in class. This model not only provides parents with essential childcare but it also contributes to the formation of a community of social support.
The Dr. Betty Shabazz Family Resource Center at City College of San Francisco is supporting families to rise out of poverty by helping parents take the next step in their education and career. The center has peer mentors available for parents who may be thinking about pursuing a new degree, certificate or career. Reach out to get connected!
Hello everyone, my name is Jessica Su. I am a mother of three children, from Guangzhou, China. I immigrated to San Francisco in 2017. Before immigrating, I had more than 10 years of media work experience, but my English level was almost zero. I know that to join the society and become a part of it, I must re-learn.
One year after I came to the United States, I began to seek learning opportunities in CCSF. At that time, my children were one year old, three years old and five years old. Taking care of them occupied most of my time, and I could only wish for any help I could get.
My life changed one day when I met FRC on the CCSF campus with my kids. FRC not only helps me take care of my children, provides computers to do homework, printing, preferential course selection, student work opportunity and other benefits, but more importantly, the staff and other student parents here provide me with endless emotional value and encourage me to succeed academically, in the family, and professionally.
I graduated in 2021 and now I am working as a journalist for the largest Chinese media company in the United States. This is my dream job. I use my bilingual status to report the news, advocate for my community and those in need, and serve as a bridge between the government and its residents. Looking back on my study time in CCSF, I am most grateful to FRC. Thank you Tracey, Yanna, Heather, and all the student parents. When I wanted to give up for countless times, I was always encouraged here.
— Jieya (Jessica) Su, a parent of 3 children and a business major
For more information from CCSF FRC:
The Parent Exchange Program takes care of my children when I am in class, so that I can concentrate in class, get a higher degree or certification, and find a good job in the future…[the] FRC is a friendly community and all parents become friends to help each other.