My mom is considering going back to college and we're trying to find scholarships for adult women. Does anyone know of resources or scholarships that could help her with tuition?
Sure, there are quite a few scholarships out there earmarked for adult learners, many of which are specifically designed for women. Here are a few examples:
1. Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation: This foundation provides financial assistance to low-income women who are pursuing their education. Your mother would have to write personal and education-related essays to apply.
2. Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund: This scholarship fund was established to support women over the age of 35 who are pursuing their first associate or bachelor degrees.
3. The Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship: This scholarship is for adults facing economic, social, or physical challenges, who are looking to improve their situation through education.
4. The Talbots Charitable Foundation: This is a scholarship program for women looking to return or begin schooling later in life, especially those working on their first undergraduate degree.
Remember that your mom should also look at local and regional scholarships, as many communities have funds set up to support nontraditional students. Some schools also have specific programs for returning students, so it would be beneficial for her to speak with the financial aid office of the college she plans to attend. They can provide direct information about scholarships and financial aid options that she may be eligible for.
Furthermore, certain websites, such as Appily, compile scholarship information and provide resources for students. These websites let you set filters for things like age, gender, and the type of degree being pursued to help find more relevant scholarships.
While seeking out scholarships, it will be important for your mom to also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine her eligibility for federal grants, work-study, and loans. The new student aid index (SAI) can make achieving an education more financially feasible.
I hope these tips help, and best luck to your mom on her journey back to college!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.