Going back to school can be a big challenge for any adult who wants to improve their skills and career opportunities. However, for mothers who would like to return to school while juggling parenting responsibilities, the challenge can be even greater. Many mothers who would like to continue their education face financial and logistical difficulties that may prevent them from achieving their goals.
Fortunately, there are many organizations and programs that offer scholarships and financial support specifically for mothers returning to school. These scholarships can help cover the costs of tuition, books, and other education-related expenses, allowing mothers to focus on their studies. What are you waiting for to apply for these scholarships?
Keep in mind that the main thing to take back your dream is to look for scholarships that are to your liking or the easiest scholarships to fit your time frame. In addition, we recommend you look for scholarships that are in your area.
What should I do if I am a mom and need a scholarship to go back to school?
If you are a mom who is interested in getting a back-to-school scholarship, here are some steps you can take:
- Research online and at your local library to find organizations that offer scholarships and financial support specifically for moms going back to school. You can search search search engines like Google or websites of nonprofit organizations that offer scholarships
- Once you’ve found some scholarships that interest you, review the eligibility requirements carefully. Make sure you meet the criteria before submitting your application
- Complete the application by following the instructions carefully. Be sure to provide all requested information and submit your application by the deadline
- If you plan to attend a college or university, investigate the support programs they offer for mothers returning to school. Contact the student services office or admissions office for more information about available services and support programs
- In addition to seeking scholarships, you may also consider applying for financial aid through government programs or from the college or university you plan to attend. The application process may vary, so be sure to carefully review the application requirements and deadlines
Organizations that offer scholarships for back-to-school moms
Around the United States, there is an exhaustive list of organizations that are responsible for offering scholarships for moms returning to school. These non-profit organizations each set their own path in the fight to help those moms who want to expand their academic curriculum. Some of the most eye-catching are:
Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation
Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
This organization was founded in 1976 in honor of Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress. The organization provides scholarships to women over the age of 35 who are pursuing a college or technical degree and facing financial and personal hardship. Single mothers are especially encouraged to apply.
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards
Soroptimist is an international women’s organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through education, leadership, and economic empowerment programs. The Live Your Dream Awards are designed to help women who are the primary providers for their households improve their education, also to exploit their employment opportunities, and establish a more secure and sustainable life for themselves and their families.
Talbots Women’s Scholarship Fund
This organization is part of Talbots, a women’s fashion company. The organization provides scholarships to women pursuing college or technical degrees who are facing financial and personal hardship, including mothers returning to school.
Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO)
PEO is an international women’s organization dedicated to providing educational support to women. The organization offers scholarships and interest-free loans to women seeking to further their education through undergraduate and graduate programs. Single mothers and women returning to school after a break in their education are especially encouraged to apply.
Help for mothers returning to school from universities and colleges
In addition to scholarships, many colleges, and universities also offer support programs designed specifically for mothers returning to school. These programs may include:
- On-campus child care services: Many colleges and universities offer on-campus child care services to help mothers balance family and academic responsibilities. These services can range from daycare and preschool to activity programs for older children
- Flexible class schedules: Some universities and colleges offer flexible class schedules to accommodate mothers’ responsibilities. This may include evening classes, online classes, or the option to take classes part-time
- Support groups for mothers: Many colleges and universities have support groups for mothers returning to school. These groups can provide a support network for mothers and offer resources and advice for balancing family and academic responsibilities
- Counseling programs: Some universities and colleges offer counseling programs to help mothers navigate the challenges of balancing education and parenting. These programs may include academic advising, financial advising, and work-life balance counseling
Similarly, each university usually has its programs to help mothers who want to re-enter the workforce. They are frequently supported by organizations in the area that seek to facilitate the process and encourage fewer and fewer women to drop out of school to become mothers. So if you are a mother who has the idea of going back to school, it is becoming more and more possible.
References
-
“Homepage – Jeannette Rankin.” Jeannette Rankin, https://rankinfoundation.org/
-
“Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation | Scholarships for Low-Income Mothers.” Mink Foundation, https://www.patsyminkfoundation.org/
-
“Scholarships for Women | Soroptimist’s Live Your Dream Awards | Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc.” Scholarships for Women | Soroptimist’s Live Your Dream Awards | Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc., https://www.soroptimist.org/our-work/live-your-dream-awards/index.html
-
“The Talbots Scholarship Program For Women.” Top Scholarships Available For Students, https://www.scholarshipsonline.org/2012/11/the-talbots-scholarship-program.html
-
“Women Helping Women Reach for the Stars | P.E.O. International.” Women Helping Women Reach for the Stars | P.E.O. International, https://www.peointernational.org/