Sometimes there is confusion about the kind of funding available
Sometimes, all it takes is a little creative thinking and knowledge about the many sources of educational funding.
State assistance
Each state has tuition assistance in the form of grants or scholarships for students. It could be need or non-need based. Many states have a lottery that is primarily for education. This lottery funds what many states call the HOPE scholarships or HOPE grants.
The scholarship criteria usually require that you have a 2.50 GPA or better and will cover the cost of tuition and books. The grant criteria are usually less strict. You may only have to prove residence and be getting a technical certificate. If your state has a lottery, check the state’s department of education website for more information.
Federal assistance
The best known source of free federal assistance is the Pell grant and SEOG grants. There is more information about them in coming pages.
Association assistance
Many associations provide grants to members and their families. You may not be a direct member but if your parents or grandparents were you may be eligible to receive a scholarship from the organization.
Some associations do not require membership. Instead they may award monies to local residents or based on academic achievement.
Foundation assistance
Foundations are much like associations. There are thousands of foundations, many geared toward women. You can search for foundations online or through your local library. In any search you have to do, your resource librarian is your best friend. Use this person to learn about the organizations in your city or state as well as the country.
Corporate assistance
Corporations are a great source of college assistance. Some companies require that you or your parents work for them. Other corporations, much like associations simply require you have exceptional academic achievement.
Public and private corporations have scholarships. Most major department stores have a foundation and award monies to deserving students. Target, Wal-mart, and Macy’s are just a few major companies that award scholarships each year.
Another way companies are providing educational assistance is through tuition reimbursement programs. Your company may have a program like this so check with human resources or the training department to find out.
Typically the company will reimburse your tuition and book expenses at the end of each semester or quarter. You must submit your course schedule and receipts to the appropriate office to get your money back.
Contests
There are hundreds of contests
Many people are intimidated by contests because they think they will never win. The key is to enter as many as you qualify for and have faith you will win at least one if not more.
Institutional assistance
Colleges provide institutional grants to help make up the difference between college costs and what a single mom can be expected to contribute through income, savings, loans, and student earnings.
Other institutional grants, known as merit awards or merit scholarships, are awarded on the basis of academic achievement. Some merit awards are offered only to single moms who demonstrate financial need; others are awarded without regard to a person's finances.
Some grants come with special privileges or obligations. You'll want to find out about the types of grants awarded by each college you are considering.
Former students, alumni, and family members of students often set up scholarship funds
The scholarship may require you declare a certain major, have a certain GPA, be needs based, or some other criteria.
Certain academic departments may offer grants and scholarships so be sure to check with the head of the department or the website.
Even though there are many sources for financial assistance, it takes work to find them and apply for them before the deadline.
It takes organization and patience as well.
Giving up too soon could mean the loss of potentially thousands of dollars.
If you want more details about how to get grant and scholarship money for college look at these other resources:
The Single Mom Grant Guide