Raising a family as a single parent can be emotionally and financially challenging, particularly for households headed by women. For many single moms, a college education can make all the difference in landing a high-paying job, but unfortunately, the high cost of tuition can be a significant and sometimes insurmountable roadblock. If you're a single mom who dreams of getting your degree, grant opportunities are available that can help make your dream a reality.
American Association of University Women Career Development Grant
The American Association of University Women, or AAUW, sponsors several grant programs to help women and girls obtain a higher education. If you're a single mom who already holds a bachelor's degree and is interested in pursuing an additional degree, you may consider applying for the AAUW Career Development Grant. To be eligible for a grant, you must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited two- or four-year education program that is designed to further your career goals. Grant awards range from $2,000 to $12,000 and selection preference is given to minority women.
American Association of University Women
1111 Sixteenth St. NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-785-7700
aauw.org
Raise the Nation Foundation Student Loan Repayment Grant
The Raise the Nation Foundation specializes in providing grants and scholarships to single mothers and their children. The Raise the Nation Student Loan Repayment Grant is designed for single moms who actively participate in volunteer activities in their community. The program provides grant awards to help repay student loans in exchange for a minimum monthly service commitment. The amount of the award and the number of service hours you are required to perform varies based on the total amount of your loan debt. Single moms working in nursing or teaching professions are exempt from the service requirement.
Raise The Nation
P.O. Box 8058
Albuquerque, NM 87198
505-265-1201
raisethenation.org
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant program is designed to help low-income students pay for college. Pell Grants are awarded based on income, making them a suitable choice for single mothers who work in low-paying careers. Grants are awarded based on your enrollment status, income, tuition costs and general financial need. Single moms who meet eligibility requirements can receive up to $5,550 per academic year and funding may be renewed for up to eighteen semesters of study.
Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ)
Department of Education Building
400 Maryland Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20202
800-872-5327
ed.gov
General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant
The Air Force Aid Society sponsors the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant program for military dependents. If you're a single mother who is also a widow of a deceased Air Force service member, you may qualify for a grant. The program is open only to students who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree at an accredited vocational or technical school, college or university in the U.S. The $2,000 award is based primarily on financial need and renewal is based on satisfactory academic progress.
Air Force Aid Society, Inc.
National Headquarters
241 18th Street
Suite 202
Arlington, VA 22202
800-769-8951
afas.org
