The importance of education in the life of every individual, single moms notwithstanding, is crucial. Education may be the key to get that promotion you have been eyeing or may even open you up to that job employment opportunity you thought you could never get. The critical challenge remains that it is tough as a single mother to achieve this. If it’s not the bills piling up, childcare could eat into your finances, making it seem impossible.
This guide will show you that all this can be achieved because there are many scholarships for single mothers. They are provided by various organizations and are specifically for single moms. There are also college scholarships for single moms who want to go back to school but do not want to be saddled with the burden that comes with obtaining student loans.
Various scholarships come with their requirements and eligibility details, so be sure to check. Some of these scholarships for single mothers in 2020 are listed below.
The Ellen M. Cherry-Delawder Memorial Scholarship
Students pursuing a career in any business-related field can apply for this scholarship. A minimum GPA of 2.0 above is required for an application to be made. A higher preference is given to single mothers with dependent children. The award varies from individual to individual. Apply at https://howardcc.academicworks.com/opportunities/4457
The Frances M. Dunn Memorial Scholarship
The children of Frances Dunn fund the Frances M. Dunn Memorial Scholarship. The minimum award is 500$ annually. Only single mothers in the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies can apply for this scholarship. To qualify for this grant, the student must have a GPA of 2.5 minimum and will submit an application letter to the screening committee. For more details, go to http://www.sdsmt.edu/.
The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Support Award
Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation gives out education support awards of up to 5000$ to each successful applicant. This scholarship is one of the few scholarship programs that only single mothers are allowed to apply. The aim is to assist low-income mothers with financial assistance to further their education.
The funds allocated can be used to cover several expenses, such as books, fees, and accommodation. Application requirements are quite simple and straightforward. They are:-
- You must be a single mother of at least 17 years-
- Be considered or classified as low income
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited higher institution of learning.
For more details, visit the foundation’s website at https://www.patsyminkfoundation.org
LouEllen Dabbs Scholarship
The Dabbs scholarships cover students interested in pursuing a career in Finance, Banking, or Business. HCC Foundation Board Members, William Bagshaw, and Attorney Frank Fitzgerald are the founders of this program. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.35and must be a single parent to qualify. Get more information here or call the Scholarship committee at (413)-538-7000.
Soroptimist’s Live Your Dream Award
Formerly known as the Women’s Opportunity Awards, this is an education grant given to women to assist them with their financial needs. They could also provide the resources needed to enhance their skills, education, and employability. Each year, more than 1200 women receive the sum of 2 million USD in cash grants.
Application details can be found at https://www.soroptimist.org/our-work/live-your-dream-awards/apply-for-the-live-your-dream-awards.html or dial 415-550-7943 for inquiries.
Bernice Murray Scholarship
The Bernice Murray Scholarship is awarded by the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC). This program aims to make a difference in the lives of various Vermont families. To apply, you must attend a higher institution approved for Federal Title IV funding, must be a single parent, and must demonstrate significant financial need. Apply at https://www.vsac.org/pay/student-aid-options/scholarships
Federal and State Grants
Grants may come in handy for single moms looking for funding for their educational needs. Different federal and state governments offer financial awards based on individual case requirements.
The Federal Pell Grant is one of the most popular aid programs out there. The Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students who are in dire need of financial assistance and have not earned a degree before applying. To apply, you will have to fill a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The maximum award of this grant is 6195$, but the amount you can receive depends on a host of factors like earnings, status, and tuition cost. Access more details about the Pell Grant at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/pell
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
The respective financial aid offices of the participating schools administer the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant. Not all schools participate, and funds are limited to what is allocated to the institutions from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid. Unlike the Pell Grant, which is given to every eligible student, the FSEOG is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis due to the limited funds available. It is advisable to apply early. You could receive between 100$ to 4000$ yearly, depending on need. Find out more at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/fseog
Touch of Health’s annual scholarship for single mothers
Touch of Health, a medical center in Orlanda,FL offers $500 scholarship for single mothers to support their educational and financial situation. To apply, you need to write an essay explaining importance of education in your life. All other criteria and requirements are included in their respective page https://touchofhealthmedical.com/scholarship/. The application process is free from charge and no fee will be taken from applicants.
Nonprofits, colleges, and other local community organizations could assist in paying education expenses. Do well to visit any of their offices to verify.