My mom is considering going back to college, but she's anxious about the financial side. Does anyone know of scholarships specifically for women who are returning to school after some years? I want to help her as much as I can.
There are scholarships out there for non-traditional students and women returning to school! Your mom might look into the following:
1. The Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund: This scholarship is specifically for women aged 35 and older who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree or a vocational school degree.
2. Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation: Offers awards to low-income women with minor children who are pursuing their education.
3. Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE) Scholarships: Awards several scholarships to non-traditional students, including those returning to school after a period out of education.
4. Emerge Scholarships: Although they're based in Georgia, they provide scholarships to women of all ages nationwide who are returning to school.
Remember, local community or state-funded scholarships are also a great source of assistance and are often less competitive. Check with potential colleges too - they could have their funds for non-traditional students.
It's also a good idea to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if she's not interested in taking out loans, completing the FAFSA can open up opportunities for work-study and potentially some need-based grants.
As she searches for scholarships, please remember to avoid any search service that demands a fee. Legitimate scholarships should never cost anything to apply.
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