‘1 in 5’ Season 2 Episode 6: Meet Dominique Baker

Dominique Baker married her high school sweetheart and planned to pursue a degree in social work, but her first semester in college proved to be both financially and mentally exhausting. As her family grew and Dominique took stock of the things she wanted for herself and her two children, she made the decision to leave her husband at age 25 and focus on her family’s future. She faced housing insecurity and even made the best of living in a shelter while studying. And when she sought support from family and the help of professionals, she was able to get through one of the darkest periods of her life and develop the tools to stay focused on her educational goals.

Today, Dominique is a graduate of West Michigan Center for Arts & Technology’s (WMCAT) Adult Career Training Program for Medical Billing and advocates for student parents as an Ascend Parent Advisor.

The Aspen Parent Powered Solutions Fund is the first student parent-led fund dedicated to advancing the work of organizations and initiatives that support student parents’ postsecondary success.

West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology provides a culture of opportunity for people to make social and economic progress in their lives and community. WMCAT fulfills its mission through visual arts and tech engagement, workforce development and social enterprises.

COVID College Support is a guide created by Edquity staff members to help college students navigate emergencies during the COVID-19 crisis.