Scholarships for Returning Students

So my mom is thinking about going back to school, which is super inspiring. Do any of you guys know about scholarships that are meant for adults like her who are returning to education after a break? Thanks everyone!

Absolutely, there are a variety of scholarships available for adults returning to education. Here are a few you should consider:

1. Osher Reentry Scholarship Program: This has been established by The Bernard Osher Foundation and is available at over 90 institutions across the country. The scholarship supports non-traditional students who had their education interrupted for a cumulative period of five or more years and now want to resume their education.

2. Executive Women International (EWI) Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Award: This program offers awards for adults facing economic, social, or physical challenges, who are looking to improve their situation through educational opportunities.

3. Association for Non-traditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE): The scholarships provided by ANTSHE are available for non-traditional students, which includes adults returning to school.

4. Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award: Aimed specifically at women who provide the primary financial support for their families, these scholarships can be used for undergraduate or vocational degrees.

5. Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund: This fund assists low-income women aged 35 and older pursuing their education.

You should also look into scholarships offered directly by the school your mother plans to attend. Many colleges and universities have scholarships specifically for non-traditional students. Plus, they might offer financial aid for eliminated workforce positions and for vocational retraining.

Finally, filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is also a good idea to check for potential federal grants and aid possibilities. The SAI (Student Aid Index) calculated by the FAFSA can be particularly useful as colleges use it to determine the amount of aid a student is eligible for.

Remember, the key to getting scholarships is applying early and often! Best of luck to your mom in her educational journey!