What grants and scholarships are available for single mothers going to college?

As a single mother, I'm trying to figure out how to afford college. Are there specific financial aid options or scholarships tailored for single moms looking to further their education?

There are indeed numerous scholarships and grants available designed specifically for single mothers returning to further their education. Here are a few to investigate:

1. The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation awards up to $5,000 to low-income women who are mothers and pursuing their first undergraduate degree or associate’s degree.

2. The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for single parents living in Arkansas.

3. The Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund is for low-income women who are 35 or older. First preference will be given to women who are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.

4. Soroptimist's Live Your Dream Awards provide women who provide the primary financial support for their families (including kids) with the financial resources to improve their education, skills, and employment prospects.

Remember, these are just a few examples and many more exist. It's definitely worth your time to do further research and apply to as many as possible, because every bit helps when it comes to affording college.

Also, don’t forget about federal financial aid opportunities. The Federal Pell Grant can provide up to $6,495 for the 2021–22 award year (July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022), and is awarded to low-income undergraduate students. This can be especially helpful for single mothers because it is a grant, not a loan, which means it doesn’t need to be paid back.

Make sure to fill out your FAFSA. This is the gateway to all federal financial aid including grants like the Pell Grant, work-study programs, and student loans. It also helps schools determine institutional aid packages.

Also, be sure to reach out to your school’s financial aid office. They can provide resources and guide you towards specific scholarships or grants that you might not have found on your own.

Every bit of assistance helps, and your commitment to furthering your education as a single mother is really admirable, so good luck with your efforts to identify financial resources!