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Starting Point

Starting Point 2.0 & EmpowHER

Get the Skills You Need for a Brighter Future!

 Are you a young woman looking for direction in the areas of education, employment, self-esteem, and a healthy support system? Or maybe you’re a mother of young children looking for a way to provide for your family? If either of these descriptions speaks to you, maybe Starting Point is for you. Starting Point is a free program that will empower you for your future!

  • Gain the necessary skills to go to college or prepare for an entry-level job
  • Make connections and find out about available resources
  • Learn team-building, conflict management and other critical employment skills
  • Gain confidence
  • Learn how to manage your finances

 

Learn More2025-26 Flyer

 

Starting Point | For Young Women or Single Mothers

How It Works
  • This program is offered in-person on the Appleton and Oshkosh campuses and it is also offered virtually.
  • If daycare is needed, it is offered by BABES for the Appleton campus location and by the YMCA for the Oshkosh campus location. While mothers attend classes, children attend quality early childhood education targeting age-appropriate milestones and school readiness. No childcare is offered for the virtual offering.
  • Enrolled women will receive an FVTC ID which provides you access to free transportation on Valley Transit for the Appleton campus and GO Transit for the Oshkosh campus, along with other college resources.
  • In this program, you’ll learn about Fox Valley Tech and how to be successful in school.
  • Counseling and advising will be provided to each participant, along with parent coaching if appropriate.

Fall 2025 Dates & Times

Appleton: Wednesdays, 9/10/25-12/3/25, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., childcare provided
Oshkosh: Saturdays, 9/13/25-12/3/25, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., childcare provided
Virtual: Wednesdays, 9/10/25-12/3/25, 5-7:30 p.m., no childcare

Spring 2026 Dates & Times

Appleton: Wednesdays, 2/11/26-5/13/26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., childcare provided
Oshkosh: Saturdays, 2/14/26-5/13/26, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., childcare provided
Virtual: Wednesdays, 2/11/26-5/13/26, 5-7:30 p.m., no childcare

 

Eligibility Requirements
  • Young woman or single mother
  • Income level must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline
  • If single mother, children must be under the age of 11 years
  • Must reside in Calumet, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, or Winnebago Counties
  • Must have reliable housing (not homeless)
  • Must be interested in and determined to pursue your education

Starting Point

Get Started

 

Dia

Dia

Starting Point has given me the opportunity to invest in myself and my education. This program was the answer to my calling when I didn't know where to start.

Kaitlin

Kaitlin

Starting Point has helped me see the potential in myself and guide me in a positive direction in the community and in school.

November

Starting Point has shown me the importance of showing my daughter what I'm capable of, so that she knows she can achieve whatever she sets her mind to.

Marimar

I've gained a support system for life. This program opened up so many doors that previously seemed inaccessible to me.

Alex

Kamala Alexandra

Starting Point changed my life by changing my mindset. For the first time in so long, I was given the opportunity to recognize my potential. We cannot change without a positive environment. The impact will last my lifetime and leave a legacy for my children.

Alisa

Alisa

Taking Starting Point taught me self-worth and that even as a young mom, I can still get my education.

For More Information

 

Kara Nowak
Counselor - Student Services
920-735-5722

 

 

 

Starting Point is a collaborative project with the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region, Fox Valley Technical College, B.A.B.E.S, Inc., the Oshkosh Community Foundation's Basic Needs Giving Partnership, Oshkosh Community YMCA  and the FVTC Foundation.