As a single mom, you want to do what’s best for your children and yourself. Being able to support and raise your kids means being able to financially support them as well. A college degree can certainly help you get a better-paid job and provide a more carefree life for the family. But can single moms afford to go to college?
Luckily, there are scholarships that can help single moms get their degrees and continue working hard for their kids. We’ve put together a list of top scholarships for single moms that you should take a look at.
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- ANSWER Scholarship
The ANSWER Scholarship program supports moms seeking higher education who haven’t yet earned a college degree. To be eligible to apply, you need to be:
- a female student who’s 25 or older
- the primary caregiver to at least one school-age child
- a US citizen
The program provides mentorships for moms during studying and supports them to maintain a high GPA. This is why the program has an amazing graduation rate.
Check out these graduation sashes for your graduation ceremony.
- The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund
If you live in Arkansas or Bowie County, TX, this scholarship is a great opportunity for you. It supports both part-time and full-time single parents who are seeking higher education.
The eligibility criteria include being a single US citizen and the legal guardian of at least one child. It’s perfect for single moms from this local area who need the extra support to finish college.
- Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
The JRF program supports single moms who are 35 or older and currently have a low-income wage. They support women all over the US and aim to help them build a better life.
The program has been helping women for more than 40 years and is highly accredited.
- Patsy Takemoto Mink Award
You don’t have to be an older single parent to get support and financial aid. The Patsy Mink Award gives out $5.000 worth of financial aid to women who are:
- 17 or older
- single moms
- pursuing a first degree at a post-secondary level of education
- low-income
If awarded, moms can use the award for direct school expenses or living expenses while they are enrolled in an educational program.
Unfortunately, many single moms go through some form of domestic abuse and family violence before they manage to separate from their partner and get child custody of their kids. This scholarship program recognizes the need to help and support these women.
To be eligible to apply, you’ll need to:
- identify as a survivor of domestic abuse
- be separated from the abuser
- have sought service from a non-profit agency that provides services to survivors of intimate partner abuse for a minimum of 6 consecutive months
You’ll need to show you’re willing to learn and deserving of the scholarship. You may think, “I need someone to help me write my essay” or “this application is too complex for me”. But, just read the instructions carefully, and write from your heart.
Scholarships4Moms gives away a $10.000 scholarship five times a year to mothers seeking higher education. You just need to fill out a simple form on their website and see if you get selected.
You can then use the scholarship at any school of choice.
Final Thoughts
Single moms don’t need to do it all on their own. Luckily for them, scholarship programs and awards recognize their struggle and are ready to help out.
Read our list of top scholarships for single moms and apply to the one you feel you’re most eligible for. After that, just study hard and give it all you’ve got to get that degree you need.
Author’s Bio
Elizabeth Baldridge is a freelance writer and blogger who specializes in family and education. She shares tips on academic achievements, scholarships, students, and family support. She’s a mother of two.
