College Grants For Single Moms

For single moms to support their family, it is imperative that they have a good job. The only way to secure a high paying job is by having a college degree on your resume. College tuition in the US is costly and not everyone can afford it. To counter this, there are different government and non-profit organizations who give college grants for single moms to help these women get a college degree. In the following article we shall take a closer look at the info available on these grants.

Government Grants for Moms

There are a number of federal and state government college grants for single moms. Some of these grants give single moms the chance to pursue the education they desire, without worrying about the finance required. Here are some of the grants that single moms can apply for, to aid their education:

Pell Grant
The application and eligibility criteria for this grant for single moms is simple. Students can apply for this grant through the ‘Free Application for Federal Student Aid’ (FAFSA). This form requires some basic documents, like a social security number, driving license and untaxed income records. You can also apply for this via the Internet. The amount of grants for single mothers ranges from 400 USD to 5,000 USD. The deadline details for submitting your application are available at the local program office. It takes about 2 to 4 weeks for the approval procedure.

Obama College Grants for Moms
Over 12 billion USD in federal aid for college students is available under this grant. This program is also known as ‘Moms Return to Schools’. Under this program, you can get up to 10,000 USD for college tuition. You have to fill the FAFSA form to apply.

Teach Grants
This program gives grants to those who wish to pursue higher education and teach in public or private elementary/secondary schools that cater to low income family students. It offers 4,000 USD and you have to contact the financial aid office of the college you wish to attend. Fill the FAFSA form to apply. Some formalities that need to be done include signing a teach grant agreement and meeting certain academic requirements.

Smart Grant
The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National Smart Grant) is available for the 3rd and 4th years of undergraduate study. This grant gives up to 4,000 USD for each of the third and fourth undergraduate years of study. You should at least have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 GPA scale in your second year.

College Grants for Working Moms

There are many non-profit organizations which give grants to single moms. Some such organizations are:

Jeannette Rankin Foundation
JRF provides scholarships for single mothers from the low income group (low income according to the US Department of Labor’s Lower Living Standard) and to those who are 35 years or older (applicants should be US citizens pursuing technical, vocation, associates degree or first bachelors degree). Applications will be available on 1st November for the 2011 school year.

Raise The Nation
The eligibility criteria to apply for this grant is mostly based on the income limit of the applicant. They have set different income limits for different states. They also charge a one time USD 20 application processing fee.

The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program
This program also gives scholarships to single moms who have been abused by their partners, it is one of the criteria for eligibility. A US citizenship and application or acceptance of an accredited college course is a must. It was created in 1999 to help battered women gain college education and gainful employment.

School Grants for Stay Home Moms

At times, it can be difficult for single moms to travel to schools and colleges daily for their education. There are many colleges who have a provision which allows single moms to take lessons online. You need to check with the local community/ private college grant aid office for more details.

Here are some more useful resources that will aid single moms who are looking out for educational grants:
Government Grants for Single Mothers
Financial Help for Single Mothers
Single Mother Grants For School
Thus, as seen, college grants for single moms are given by many institutes and organizations. While, at times, the application process might seem lengthy and cumbersome, the reward for the perseverance and hard work is surely justified.

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