Paying for college can be challenging and as tuition costs rise, more students are turning to grants and scholarships. Unlike scholarships, given primarily on the basis of academic merit, grants take into consideration financial need. For mothers, particularly single mothers, there are numerous grant programs available that can help make a college degree more affordable.
Raise the Nation Student Loan Repayment Grant
Raise the Nation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the educational goals of mothers. As part of its efforts, the group offers college grants to single mothers. Its student loan repayment grant provides funding to single mothers who have student loan debt and need help with repayment. The grant is designed specifically to help professional women who are active volunteers within the community or those who work in service or teaching professions. Individual award amounts vary based on funding.
Raise The Nation
P.O. Box 8058
Albuquerque, NM 87198
505-265-1201
raisethenation.org
Soroptimist Women's Opportunity Award
Soroptimist is an international volunteer organization that is dedicated to advancing the cause of women and girls around the world who have overcome significant obstacles in their pursuit of higher education. This award provides education grants to mothers who are the primary earner and have a demonstrated financial need. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited vocational, technical or undergraduate degree program. Applications are accepted for students in the U.S. or those who are residents of Soroptimist member countries. Individual award amounts vary based on funding and individual need.
Soroptimist International of the Americas
1709 Spruce St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-893-9000
soroptimist.org
Women's Independence Scholarship Program
The program offers education funding to women who have been the victims of domestic abuse. It's geared specifically at helping mothers overcome barriers to education so that they may be better able to provide for their children. Applicants must be single and have been separated from their batterer for at least one year. Applicants must be accepted into an accredited degree program, have a critical financial need and be sponsored by a nonprofit domestic violence agency. Award amounts vary with an average award of $2,000 per academic term.
Women's Independence Scholarship Program
4900 Randall Parkway, Suite H
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-397-7742
wispinc.org
Pell Grant
The federal Pell grant provides education funding for students who have a demonstrated financial need. The grant may be used to fund education expenses for an associate's or bachelor's degree at an accredited school in the U.S. and are awarded based on income, making them particularly appealing for single mothers. To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The program provides a maximum grant of $5,550 per academic year for a maximum of 18 semesters.
Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave. S.W.
Washington, DC 20202
800-872-5327
ed.gov
