Academic Support

Whether you're returning to college after time away, need help managing your coursework, or just want to strengthen your academic skills, HCC offers a variety of academic support resources to help you succeed.

Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including pregnancy and related conditions—in educational programs and activities that receive federal funding. The College is committed to supporting pregnant and parenting students by providing reasonable and appropriate accommodations based on medical necessity due to pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, and/or lactation.

Examples of the types of accommodations that may be appropriate based on pregnancy symptoms and pregnancy-related medical conditions include (but are not limited to):

• Excused absences and/or tardiness
• Returning to an academic program with the same status a student held before pregnancy-related leave of absence
• Opportunity to make up/earn participation and attendance points lost due to excused absences or tardiness
• Extensions on assignments, examinations, and opportunities to make up missed assignments due to pregnancy symptoms or related conditions, including bed rest, hospitalization, recovery from childbirth
• Supports for pregnant persons, including access to workspaces and chairs functional for the pregnant student, frequent restroom breaks, food and water in classrooms where otherwise prohibited and does not create safety risk
• Privacy space for lactation accommodations

To request an accommodation, students are asked to complete the Pregnant/Parenting Student Assistance Report.

Faculty and staff are asked to direct any student who indicates they need any academic adjustments due to pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions to the Dean of Students.

Lactation Spaces

Private lactation spaces will be made available for students and employees who need a comfortable and private location for nursing or pumping while on campus. To request information or accommodations complete the Pregnant/Parenting Student Assistance Report.

Mental Health & Wellness

Taking care of yourself is an important part of academic success. HCC offers resources that support students' mental, emotional, and personal well-being. Whether you're navigating the challenges of parenting, balancing multiple responsibilities, or simply feeling overwhelmed, support is available. Learn more about the resources available to students by visiting the Student Health & Wellness LibGuide.

Financial & Nutritional Food Assistance

Students facing unexpected financial emergencies or food insecurity can access resources designed to help meet basic needs so they can focus on their education.

• The Student Pantry provides quick access to groceries and food support.
• The Student Emergency Grant application is open to students who’ve successfully completed at least one semester of enrollment and find themselves in need for one-time emergency assistance.

Returning to College Tips

If it's been a while since you've been in a classroom, you're not alone. Many HCC students balance school with work, parenting, caregiving, and other responsibilities. Academic skills often return more quickly than expected, and support is available every step of the way.

Here are a few strategies that can help:

• Schedule study time just as you would work or family commitments.
• Review assignment deadlines early and plan ahead.
• Break large projects into smaller, manageable tasks.
• Communicate with instructors when challenges arise.
• Use tutoring, advising, and support services before you feel overwhelmed.
• Remember that asking for help is one of the strongest habits of successful students.
• Concerned about math? You're not alone. Many students experience math anxiety, especially when returning to school after several years away. Placement assessments help ensure you start in the course that best matches your current skills, and free tutoring is available to help you build.

If you need help but aren’t sure where to go, visit the CARE team webpage or complete an online Need Help? form.

Adoption & Guardianship

Maryland Department of Human Services

The Maryland Adoption and Guardianship Program provides information, guidance, and support for families exploring adoption, guardianship, kinship care, and foster care permanency options. Resources include information on adoption and guardianship processes, private adoption agencies, licensing requirements, search and reunion services, and local social services contacts to help children find safe, stable, and permanent homes.

Phone: (800) 332-6347
Website: Adoption & Guardianship - MD DHS

Child Care

Child Care Scholarship Program

The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) (formerly known as Child Care Subsidy) program helps eligible families in Maryland pay for high-quality child care and early education programs.

Phone: (877) 227-0125
Website: Child Care Scholarship Program | Office of Early Childhood

Health Care

Maryland Medical Assistance

Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program (MCHP) uses Federal and State funds to ensure that all Maryland’s children have medical insurance. The program provides full health benefits for children under the age of 19, and pregnant women of any age who meet the income guidelines.

Website: Medical Assistance – MD DHS