Are you tired of searching for legitimate scholarships that fit your needs as a single mom looking to return to school? Look no further. We at Degree Query have come up with 7 reputable sources for your scholarship needs. These organizations and foundations all have yearly deadlines, so mark your calendars now and get those applications in!
The Jeanette Rankin Foundation
The JRF has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to more than 750 women. Ms. Rankin was the first woman elected to the Inited States Congress in 1916. The JRF Scholarship fund honors the spirit and legacy of this amazing woman. Their mission is to build better lives by providing the means for college completion. Rankin’s estate money upon her death was designated as seed money to start this incredible foundation. You may qualify if you are:
- a woman, age 35 or older
- low income
- currently pursuing a degree
- a citizen of U.S. or Permanent Resident
application deadline: March 1
Linda Miller Scholarships
Linda Miller, a New York Time’s best-selling author has generously set up a scholarship fund specifically for women in the amount of $10,000 yearly. Here are the qualifications:
- must be a woman age 25 or older
- must be currently enrolled in a continuing education program
- must be US or Canada citizen
- must complete essay
application deadline: August 29
Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity
Every year this organization awards over $1.6 million in education grants to over 1200 woman. The scholarship program is entitled the Live Your Dream Award. Qualifications are as follows:
- must be currently enrolled in school
- must have financial need
- must be primary financial support to dependents
application deadline: November 15
American Association of University Women (AAUW)
The AAUW is one of the largest sources for funding women in graduate programs. They provide more than $3.7 million in funding each year in the form of fellowships and grants to women and non-profit organizations.
They currently offer 6 Fellowships and Grants:
- American Fellowship- for women in full-time postdoctoral research
- Career Development Grant- for those pursuing post bachelor certifications
- Community Action Grant- for non-degree research projects
- International Fellowship- for women conducting full-time postdoctoral or graduate study
- International Project Grant- community-based project grants
- Selected Professions Fellowship- for those enrolled in a Master’s program
Deadlines vary, please see website here.
Curiel & Runion Single Mother Scholarship
Curiel & Runion are a law office out of Phoenix, AZ that believes strongly in helping our nations single mothers get ahead and pursue a college degree. C&R awards two applicants yearly in the amounts of $1,000 each. These are the qualifications:
- a 500+ word written essay
- must be a mother returning to school
- enrolled in an accredited college or university in the U.S.
- maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (or equivalent)
application deadline: June 5
The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation
Patsy Takemota Mink is a political figure from the state of Hawaii. She served as a congresswoman from 1965-1977 and again from 1990-2002. She fought for woman rights, economic justice, and civil liberties. Her foundation continues some of Mink’s passions for providing equality in educational endeavors for woman, especially mothers.
- must be a mother of minor children
- must be enrolled in a not-for-profit- college
- must be low income
application deadline: August 1
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Single Mother Scholarship
RIL, a Chicago based law firm, believes in the empowerment of single mothers through education, so they have committed to awarding two single mothers a $1,000 scholarship yearly. Here’s the scoop on their scholarships and what you will need to:
- write a 500+ word written essay
- be a mother enrolled and attending an accredited college
- be enrolled in an accredited college or university in the U.S.
- maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (or equivalent)
application deadline: December 5
BONUS SOURCE:
FAFSA
Good ol’ FAFSA. A list wouldn’t be complete without this mother of all financial aid sources. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is a federal program that most accredited colleges in the U.S. will use. They offer grants as well as loans. You may need to meet an income requirement to qualify for the grants.
application deadline: as soon as possible after January 1; awards made until funds are depleted.