25 Great Scholarships for Young Moms

scholarships for young mothers

For students who are balancing college and a family, finances can be tight; the best scholarships for young moms can help ease the burden. Many organizations offer funding opportunities that are specifically directed to mothers within a specific age group — usually, their intent is to make it easier to boost their earning potential with a degree and create a better life for their children.

Related Resource: 5 of the Easiest Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs

1. Answer Scholarship

Eligibility

– Non-traditional student age 25+

– Primary caregiver to one or more children enrolled in grades K-12

– U.S. citizen residing in North Carolina counties Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Stanly, or Union or York county in South Carolina

– Pursuing a degree full-time at an accredited school in Mecklenburg or surrounding counties

The Answer Scholarship is designed to help young moms in a specific area of North Carolina and South Carolina. You can apply as long as you’re enrolled or accepted to get your first bachelor’s degree. Two-year degrees in Nursing, Information Technology or the CPCC’ Health Careers Program also qualify. To keep the scholarship, recipients need to maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher. Applications are accepted from December 1st through March 2nd.

Scholarship Website

2. Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Support Award

Eligibility

– Female 17 years or old

– Mother with one or more children under 18

– Pursuing first degree

– Enrolled in an accredited, non-profit institution

– Low-income

The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Support Award provides up to $5,000 per year to five different young mothers. The foundation makes its decisions based on a variety of factors, including service, activism, and degree choice. Your personal circumstances and financial situation also play a part. This scholarship can be used for either living expenses or school costs.

Scholarship Website

3. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC Annual Single Mother Scholarship

Eligibility

– Enrolled in an accredited U.S. high school or college

– Mother

The Single Mother Scholarship offers $1,000 to two different recipients; the money can go to any school cost. Applicants should be prepared to write an essay about how they’re prepared to handle the challenges of being in school while being a parent. It’s important to note that by applying, you agree that Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC can publish your essay on its website and social media profiles. Winners must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The application deadline is December 5th.

Scholarship Website

4. Soroptomist Live Your Dream Award

Eligibility

– Be the primary financial provider for children, parents, siblings, or spouse

– Demonstrate financial need

– Enrolled in or accepted to an undergraduate program or vocational training program

– Live in a Soroptimist member country

Each year, the Soroptomist Live Your Dream Award program gives more than $2.6 million in grants to women. Recipients can get up to $16,000 to use for school, transportation, or childcare costs. During the application process, plan to submit a personal statement and two references. The committee prides itself on supporting women who have overcome challenging situations, including domestic violence and poverty. Applications are accepted between August 1st and November 15th.

Scholarship Website

5. Bethel Foundation Grace Scholarship

Eligibility

– U.S. citizen

– High school diploma or GED

– Single and the head of the household

– Sole custody of at least one child under 18 years old

– No undergraduate degree

– In college full-time or part-time to earn a career-focused degree

– Income at or near the current poverty level

– Have or be applying for a Pell Grant

The Bethel Foundation gives the Grace Scholarship three times every year; the application deadlines are October 15th, March 15th, and June 15th. This award is given to single mothers to use toward books or tuition. Students can apply every semester that they’re in school, even if they’ve received the scholarship in the past.

Scholarship Website

6. Ford Opportunity Program

Eligibility

– Live in Oregon or Siskiyou County in CA

– Single parent and head of household

– High school diploma or GED

– Pursuing a two-year or four-year degree full-time

– Have at least one year remaining of school

The Ford Opportunity Program scholarship is awarded by The Ford Family Foundation; it’s designed to help single parents manage their financial responsibilities while they pursue a degree. The award is given to a maximum of 50 students every year. The amount varies based on individual circumstances — it takes care of 90% of the college costs you haven’t currently paid for. The application should be submitted after you complete the FAFSA by October 1st.

Scholarship Website

7. Ellen M. Cherry-Delawder Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility

– Attend Howard Community College

– Single parent with dependent children

The Ellen M. Cherry-Delawder Memorial Scholarship helps single parents cover the costs of their college education. It’s administered by Howard Community College, so applicants must be accepted or enrolled at the institution. Students in any degree program can apply, but the administration gives preference to people in Business or similar areas of study. The award amount varies based on your personal circumstances. Apply by January 31st.

Scholarship Website

8. Capture the Dream Single Parent Scholarship

Eligibility

– Low income

– Single parent

– Reside in the San Francisco Bay area

– Enrolled for the fall semester at an accredited, non-profit university with two-year or four-year programs

Awarded by Capture the Dream, the Single Parent Scholarship gives $1,000 to help one recipient cover college tuition costs. The committee reviews applications from eligible students and makes their decisions based on financial circumstances, references, and academic performance. A record of leadership and community service is also important. In addition to the application, cover letter, and transcripts, applicants are required to submit an essay about career goals and the ways they’ve overcome the struggles that come with single parenting. The application deadline is July 31st.

Scholarship Website

9. LouEllen Dabbs Scholarship

Eligibility

– Single parent

– Registered for at least 9 credits

– GPA of 2.35 or higher

The LouEllen Dabbs Scholarship is given to one student at Holyoke Community College who is pursuing a degree in Business, Banking, or Finance. It comes with a $1,000 award that goes toward defraying tuition costs. Students are selected based on criteria including financial need and a past record of academic success. The committee members also consider your personal character and potential for high achievement in education in the future.

Scholarship Website

10. Silver Shield Foundation Spouse Education Assistance Program

Eligibility

– Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree or vocational training program

– Be the surviving spouse of a police officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty

– Planning to return to the job market

The Silver Shield Foundation provides financial support for the spouses of firefighters and police officers who were killed while they performed their jobs. This award varies based on the individual and their circumstances; it’s designed to help the surviving spouse get an education and eventually, a job. Scholarships are given on a rolling basis, so there is no application date. Applicants can contact the Foundation to find out how to apply.

Scholarship Website

11. Executive Women International Adult Students in Scholastic Transition Scholarship

Eligibility

– Past high-school age

– Non-traditional student

– Enrolled in college or trade school

For young moms who don’t fall into the typical college-student demographic, the ASIST scholarship is one way to cover costs. It’s awarded by individual chapters of Executive Women International based on applicants’ financial need and economic situation. Single parents whose children live with them are given special preference. Each of the 13 scholarships ranges from $2,000 to $10,000. Apply through the nearest EWI chapter; from there, regional winners compete at a higher level for the final awards. The application deadline to apply for an ASIST scholarship is March 27th.

Scholarship Website

12. Park Scholarship

Eligibility

– Applying to be a first-year student in a baccalaureate program at North Carolina State University

– Record of scholarship, leadership, service, and character

– U.S. citizen or permanent resident

For young mothers who have balanced raising a child with a strong record of academic and personal achievement, the Park Scholarship is an opportunity to get a four-year degree. This scholarship covers four years of tuition, room and board, travel, personal expenses, books, and supplies. It also comes with perks like early registration, mentoring, retreats, and more. Administered by The Park Foundation, the Park Scholarship goes to 40 students each year. The application deadline is October 15th for students from schools on the NC State Endorsing Schools list and November 1st for other students.

Scholarship Website

See also: 35 Great Scholarships for Single Moms

13. Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program

Eligibility

– Child or spouse of a roadway worker who was killed or permanently disabled in a roadway work zone

– High school diploma or degree

Given by the American Traffic Safety Services Foundation, the Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program goes to support students who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. The specific amounts vary based on the recipient’s needs; the maximum award is $10,000. For young moms who have a documented history of volunteering, it’s possible to get $1,000 in addition to the base award.

Scholarship Website

14. Arizona Business and Professional Women’s Foundation Scholarship

Eligibility

– Enrolled at a community college

– Living in Arizona

– 21 years or older

In an effort to support women in Arizona, the Arizona Business and Professional Women’s Foundation offers a number of scholarships. These awards are designed to help working women get the education they need to earn a higher income. To qualify, applicants should be attending a community college in order to get a promotion at their current job or to open up better career opportunities. The application process requires two letters of recommendation, a bio, and a copy of the most recent tax return. Anyone who wins a scholarship is expected to attend at least one event of the Arizona BPW Foundation each year. Submit applications by May 15th.

Scholarship Website

15. BK Krenzer Memorial Re-entry Scholarship

Eligibility

– Out of school for at least 2 years

– Accepted to an engineering program

– Female

Each year, the Society of Women Engineers awards one BK Krenzer Memorial Re-entry Scholarship to a female student who’s planning to return to school after an absence of two or more years. The total award is $3,250. This scholarship is part of SWE’s STEM Reentry Task Force, which seeks to bring more women into the engineering industry. It’s not necessary to have experience or education in engineering; rather, the goal of the award is to encourage more women to break into the field. The application deadline is February 15th.

Scholarship Website

16. Emerge Scholarship

Eligibility

– Resident of Georgia

– 25+ years old

– Attend an accredited, non-profit university

– Fall below the organization’s maximum income levels

The Emerge Scholarship is awarded by the Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund. It’s given to a woman who’s planning to go back to school to improve her job prospects; for that reason, applicants must meet the income requirements set out by the fund. These requirements vary based on family size. As part of the application, expect to submit two recommendation letters, transcripts, tax forms, and proof of Georgia residency. Apply by February 27th to be considered.

Scholarship Website

17. Non-Traditional Student Scholarship

Eligibility

– Dues-paying member of The American Legion, Auxiliary, or Sons of The American Legion for two years

– Pursuing a 2-year or 4-year degree or a certified trade/professional/technical program

Each year, each geographic region of the American Legion Auxiliary gives one student a $2,000 Non-Traditional Student Scholarship. This award is designed to help people who are going back to college or starting college later in life; both universities and trade programs qualify. The committees choose recipients based on character, goals, financial need, and past academic achievements. Applications must be received by the deadline of March 1st.

Scholarship Website

18. P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education

Eligibility

– Resident of the U.S. or Canada

– Enrolled in a degree or certificate program in the U.S. or Canada

– Spent at least 24 months out of school at some point

– Will complete the program within 24 months

– Female

Run by the Philanthropic Educational Organization, the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education is a one-time grant that goes to a woman who is coming back to school to complete her education. The scholarship committee gives up to $3,000 to a recipient who will use the money to gain or improve the skills she needs for her job. Grants are only to be used for education-related costs including transportation, tuition, and books. For mothers, the funds can also go toward childcare during class or study sessions. Applications should be submitted between four months and 10 weeks in advance of the start of the semester.

Scholarship Website

19. Helping Hands for Single Moms

Eligibility

– Single mother with at least one child 11 or younger living in the same house

– Low income

– U.S. citizen

– Enrolled in college with at least 9 credits

– 2.8 or higher GPA

– Live in Phoenix or Maricopa County, Arizona

The Helping Hands for Single Moms scholarship provides full or partial financial assistance for single moms in the Phoenix and Maricopa County areas. The goal is to help low-income mothers balance their family’s needs with the costs and responsibilities that go along with getting an education. In addition to financial assistance, this scholarship comes with other support services. The application requires a short essay and a career plan; submissions are accepted on a rolling basis.

Scholarship Website

20. Women’s Independence Scholarship Program, Inc.

Eligibility

– Female

– Survivor of intimate partner abuse

– Be separated from the partner for 1-7 years

– Gotten help from a non-profit support agency for at least 6 month

This scholarship is designed to help women recover from the effects of intimate partner abuse; it offers the funds needed for college or trade school. The amount varies, and all scholarships are paid directly to the school to be used for tuition, books, and other fees. In some cases, the scholarship can also offer money for personal expenses and tuition. The committee gives preference to women who have financial need and a solid career plan. Applications are due 2 months before the program or semester start date.

Scholarship Website

21. GoGirl! Grants

Eligibility

– Female

– At least 25 years old

– Pursuing an undergraduate degree or occupational certification

– Currently enrolled in at least two classes

– Live and attend school in California’s Coachella Valley

For women who need financial help to complete their education, The Girlfriend Factor offers GoGirl! Grants. These awards, which come in different amounts, are designed to help non-traditional students improve their career prospects. By empowering women in the Coachella Valley, TGF wants to boost the strength of the community as a whole. There are two application deadlines every year: December 15th and June 15th.

Scholarship Website

22. Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund

Eligibility

– Live in Arkansas or in Bowie County, Texas

– Single parent with at least 50% custody of at least one dependent child

– U.S. resident

– High school diploma or GED with 2.0 or higher GPA

– Income of 250 percent or less of the federal poverty line

To improve the economy of Arkansas, the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund gives out a variety of scholarship awards. The amounts vary, and the money can be used to cover any barriers to education, from tuition to rent. Each award goes to a single parent who is attending a program that will lead to better career opportunities. In addition to funds, this scholarship comes with career and financial planning help, mentoring and more. Deadlines are July 15th for the fall, January 15th for the spring, and July 1st for the summer.

Scholarship Website

23. Multiples of Illinois Scholarship

Eligibility

– Member of Multiples of Illinois

– Parent of twins, triplets, quads, or more

– Record of participation in Multiples of Illinois events

Receive $150 toward educational costs by applying for the Multiples of Illinois Scholarship. Applications are due by September 5th, and winners are chosen at random. In addition to the basic eligibility requirements, applicants must have completed coursework at some point in the previous four semesters and achieved a grade of C or higher.

Scholarship Website

24. Mary Jane Young Scholarship for Re-Entry Women

Eligibility

– Re-entering the educational system after a delay to raise a family

– Custody of children

– Full-time student at Minnesota State University, Mankato for two previous semesters

– Good standing at the university

As its name suggests, the Mary Jane Young Scholarship for Re-Entry Women is designed to help mothers who are coming back to school after a break. Each award totals $1,000; it’s given to a student who’s already demonstrated the ability to succeed academically at Minnesota State University, Mankato for at least one year. The application requires a personal narrative that talks about your plans; apply by March 1st.

Scholarship Website

25. Coplan Donohue Single Parent Scholarship

Eligibility

– Non-traditional student

– Single parent with primary custody

– Demonstrated commitment to parenting

– Attended Minnesota State University, Mankato for the previous fall and spring semesters

– Good standing at the university

Get $1,000 to defray tuition costs by applying for the Coplan Donohue Single Parent Scholarship. This award, which is given in honor of Diane Coplan Donohue, is designed to support parents who are dedicated to providing a better life for their children. The application process includes a personal statement; the deadline is March 3rd.

Scholarship Website

College is expensive, but a degree makes it easier to increase your earning potential in the long run. Applying for the best scholarships for young moms is a great way to reduce the costs of higher education.

Find more life-changing scholarships here.

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