Women's Program

The Rita and John Canning Women's Program provides support services and scholarship assistance for eligible students who meet low-income guidelines and are one of the following: woman fleeing (intimate partner) domestic violence, single parent, a non-traditional career seeker, or a woman pursuing English as a Second Language (ESL) coursework. A non-traditional career seeker is a student pursuing a career where less than 25% of the people employed are the student’s gender.

Services include educational planning, help securing scholarship assistance for tuition, fees and books, referrals to ensure access to campus and community resources, and ongoing customized case management support while in school.

Please complete this interest form and we’ll get back to you regarding your next steps. If you have questions, please contact the Women’s Program at 847-925-6558 or by email at womensprogram@harpercollege.edu.

Yes, Women's Program participants must intend to become students at Harper College with a goal of pursuing credit-seeking courses towards either completing their first college degree, a certificate, or ESL (English Second Language) coursework

The Women’s Program is here to support all eligible students. However, our financial assistance through donor-funded scholarships is limited to students who reside within Harper’s district. For eligible students who live out of district, we can assist with support services such as personalized case management through educational planning, assistance with the financial aid (FASFA) or Alternative Application process and/or identifying other scholarship opportunities offered at the college, and referrals to both campus and community resources.

The Women’s Program is here to support all eligible students. However, our financial assistance through donor-funded scholarships is limited to students who reside within Harper’s district. For eligible students are attending Harper College on an F1 visa, we can assist with support services such as personalized case management through educational planning, assistance identifying other scholarship opportunities offered at the college, and referrals to both campus and community resources.

Yes, if they meet the eligibility requirements as single parents and/or non-traditional career seekers

During the onboarding process, you will meet with a Women’s Program Academic Advisor who will confirm your eligibility, identify funding available to you, and/or assist in applying for other scholarships within the college. The Women’s Program has limited scholarships, that may help pay for your tuition, fees, and books.

The Women’s Program can provide referrals. Community resources can be found at this link: Community Resources. In addition, The Hawks Care Resource Center can help currently registered students identify available resources. Visit their webpage for more information here: Hawks Care Resource Center.

The Women’s Program does not provide domestic violence counseling or direct housing assistance/other related needs. However, the Community Resources page includes contact information for organizations that provide support to individuals who have previously or are currently experiencing domestic violence.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: phone 800-799-SAFE (7233), or text “START” to 88788.

Students pursuing ESL (English Second Language) coursework who meet our eligibility criteria and place level II (2) or higher on the ESL placement test may be considered for our services.

If you have not taken ESL placement testing, more information regarding ESL placement and coursework is available through the ESL department webpage. Please contact the ESL department for more information.