Welcome single mom! You’re here because you want a better life for you and your kids. And single mother college scholarships may just be the answer to your problems. We’re here to guide you in getting a clear idea what it is and how you can take advantage of it.
Education = better job opportunities
Your plight has probably made you realize the real value of education. It’s tough when your skills and knowledge are limited so you end up with jobs that can barely put food on the table, let alone pay the rent. And right now, it’s not about you but your children and how you can give them a better life. You want a better paying job, train for it.
You’ve got all these burning questions in your head: Where are single mother college scholarships? Who offers them? And the most important question you want answered is: do I qualify for them?
Academic merit
Scholarships are usually offered to individuals who do not have the means to complete an education. You can be awarded either a full or partial scholarship. While certain scholarships are for a specific group of individuals (low-income, women, physically challenged, academically gifted, etc) applicants must demonstrate their academic capacity to be considered.
Always remember any scholarship is based on academic merit. But single mother college scholarships do not necessarily require you to be a genius. You just need dedication to finish your schooling given the limitations. A strong desire to earn a degree will also count in your favour during application.
Who gives scholarships
There are two types of scholarships: public and private. The latter is more strict because private foundations are the ones giving them away. There is usually some specific criteria that you must meet, including but not limited to, academic excellence.
Application, too, is more stringent. And while need may be among the factors considered for awarding, you must comply with all their requirements and meet the standards they set for their scholars. Some private scholarships are given by anonymous donors coursed through a college or university. Others do not announce the scholarships and prefer to conduct their own search for grantees.
Single moms like yourself will do better with public scholarships. A host of organizations and institutions award these to deserving individuals. Some are through community associations, not-for-profit foundations, religious organizations and local governments.
Colleges have also been setting aside a limited number of slots to be given for scholars that meet their criteria.
Check out single mother college scholarships in your area by typing in your zip code below. There is bound to be one near you.
Remember: a scholarship, like a grant, does not have to be repaid. It is not a student loan. And unless stipulated that you stand to receive a stipend or allowance along with the tuition, the money is directly given to the school where you are enrolled in.
A second tip: you stand a better chance of being approved for a scholarship if you have also applied for the Federal Pell Grant. It is the most popular federal grant for education given to individuals based on need. The amounts are not big, and depending on your family income and size, will be decided based on a given range for the year.
Single mom scholarships
Not all scholarships are specifically for single mothers. Because of your circumstance, you may also qualify for other kinds of scholarships targeted for women or low-income individuals. Take time to learn about each scholarship and try your best to comply with the requirements to increase your chances of being considered.
Some states offer scholarships for single parents and women. These are need-based and will, among other things, require proof of your income. They are offered through colleges and universities. The best way to learn about scholarships is to ask about them. Visit schools in your area, read bulletin boards or check out government centers for announcements.
Unlike grants or other forms of financial aid for education, scholarships usually require you to maintain a certain GPA to continue enjoying the privilege.
Among organizations that offer scholarship programs for women, including single mothers, you may want to learn about the Jeanette Rankin Foundation Scholarships, Raise the Nation Scholarships, the Women’s Independence Scholarship Program of the Sunshine Lady Foundation, and the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation for Low Income Women and Children.
Go for it
If you’re determined to go back to school even as you continue playing the role of both nurturer and provider in your family, learn all you can about single mother college scholarships or any form of financial assistance for education.
The next step is to apply for all where you are eligible. Prepare yourself by completing the documentary requirements. They may not exactly be alike, but most requirements are similar. Apply at least six months before classes are due to start to give you plenty of time to put things together.
Most of all, believe that single mother college scholarships is one ticket to empower yourself and build a better life for your family.