Going back to school can be a huge decision for a mother, and finding funding can seem difficult. Thankfully, there are plenty of grants and scholarships for moms to give them a chance to further their education. Applying for these grants could award you the money you need to pay for your tuition.
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is available to anyone who doesn’t have a lot of income. It’s easily one of the best grants for single moms or low-income individuals who want to go back to school. The amount you are awarded depends on your income level, but it has a maximum of $5,550 per year. This grant splits between two semesters and has helped many single parents afford college. You can apply for the Federal Pell Grant at FAFSA.gov. Applying and receiving the Federal Pell Grant also gives you the opportunity to get other government grants that are available in your state.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Similar to the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is available to anyone with low income and an “exceptional need” for funding to go to college. If the Federal Pell Grant accepts you, you have a higher chance to be accepted for the FSEOG. The award ranges based on your income level, and you can receive anywhere from $100 to $4,000 per year. This amount is split between two semesters, as well.
Patsy Takemoto Mink Grant
The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation for Low-Income Women and Children offers a grant to women who have a low income and want to pursue higher education or training. Applicants are selected based on financial need, personal circumstances, educational path, vocational or occupational goals, and service, activist, or civic goals. To be eligible, you have to be at least 17, have minor children, and be of low-income. Five winners are chosen and receive $5,000 a piece.
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award
Soroptimist has been awarding grants to women for years to help single mothers and women go to college. The Live Your Dream Award has multiple winners who receive different grant amounts. Three first place applicants receive $10,000, and additional prizes of $5,000 and $3,000 are possible at the local level. To be eligible, you need to be the primary financial support for yourself and your dependents and be enrolled in or accepted to a vocational/skill training program or undergraduate degree program.
American Association of University Women Scholarships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a great organization that focuses on helping women and single mothers achieve a higher education. AAUW has a number of fellowships, grants, and scholarships for moms. The award amount varies, and many of the eligibility requirements include women who want to make a change in their community. There are four grants available at the moment (ranging from one- to two-year grants) that award $2,000-$30,000. There are also scholarships available for women who wish to continue to graduate school and get a master’s degree or Ph.D.
