
Arika

Free, on-campus childcare through the Children's Learning Center has allowed Arika to follow her dreams and attend college.
Arika Anthony, an early childhood development major at Howard Community College (×ãÇò²©²ÊÂÛ̳), faced significant challenges before starting her college journey.
“I always wanted to attend college,” she said, “but I never thought it would be possible because my entire adult life had been a struggle. After giving birth to my son, my life took a daunting turn.”
Anthony became a mother at 18 and encountered obstacles, including homelessness and trauma from a difficult past relationship.
“So many people told me that my life would be over if I had a child at such a young age,” she shared.
However, her life took a positive turn after she left that challenging relationship, sought therapy, and relocated to Howard County. Anthony discovered ×ãÇò²©²ÊÂÛ̳ through a campus event, which inspired her to enroll. At ×ãÇò²©²ÊÂÛ̳’s annual Summer Bash, Dr. Willis, President of Howard Community College, reached out to her, offering encouragement and assistance.
“Although there were hundreds of people there, she introduced herself, asked if I was enrolled, and offered to help me,” Anthony recalled.
Anthony then met Shakia Stokes, a family service worker, who introduced her to ×ãÇò²©²ÊÂÛ̳’s Children’s Learning Center (CLC).
“When Ms. Stokes mentioned that my daughter could attend the CLC at no cost, it felt like music to my ears,” Anthony said.
With financial aid and child care through the CLC, Anthony can now focus on her studies.
“×ãÇò²©²ÊÂÛ̳ and the CLC have literally removed every barrier,” she said.
Anthony received federal and state-based financial aid and free on-campus child care at the CLC, eliminating challenges to attend college and allowing her to pursue her dreams. She now serves on the CLC’s parent committee board as the Chairperson and plans to open a home child care business in spring of 2025.