For women, going back to school can be daunting. Trying to balance work, family, and school is more than most people care to take on. The stress is enough without trying to figure out the financial side of going back to school. Luckily, there are some great grants that women can get when they decide to go back to school! With a little help from these grants, you can be back in school with a little piece of mind to go along with it.
Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
As the first woman elected to Congress, Jeanette Rankin left a portion of her estate after her death to help women go to school non-traditionally. The grant has helped over 1000 women, divvying out over 2.5 million dollars since 1978.
To be eligible, you must be a woman over the age of 35 and be considered low income. You must be a U.S. citizen, and be pursing your associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Candidates are picked based on their goals and plans on how they will give back to the community.
PEO Program for Continuing Education Grant
The Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) is a grant that will reward up to $3,000 to women that had their original attempt at college interrupted. It gives a chance to women with low incomes to pursue the degree they originally went for, to better support their families.To apply you must already be in school, and be within two years of completing a degree program.
Women’s Independence Scholarship Program
WISP is a scholarship for women who have suffered from domestic abuse. The scholarship was made to help those regain confidence, self-reliance, and independence through schooling and eventual employment. Part time and full-time students with needs financially are both eligible. Mainly, the grant has the goal of helping women who have been free of their abusive partner for at least a full year.
Go Girl! Grant
The Go Girl! Grant is an educational grant that provides support for women trying to finish higher education for their long-term benefit. This is one of the best grants for women, as it takes in consideration that the working woman may have a difficult time getting back to school. The grant started in 2006, and since then the organization has provided almost 200 women over half a million dollars in grant money.
The be eligible, you must be at least 25, have a financial need, and have goals and a plan that demonstrates passion in your field. The grant requires a one-page autobiography to be written that shares your career goals, and your plans for your education.
There are a lot of grants out there for women trying to go back to college. With the help of some of these grants for women, your goals are in reach!