Single mothers often face the difficult decision of either working or going to school. They need to work to provide for their family and attend school to improve their skills. Finding the time or money to get a degree or further education can be very challenging, but with the help of the following organizations and programs, it is possible. Let’s have a closer look at what they are:
1. One Ray Corp.
The mission of One Ray is to provide a better living for single mothers and their children by supporting them in getting a better education and, or extending their education, which can lead to a better-paid position or a better-paid job for their future living. The main goal is to help these mothers get back on their feet and support them so that they have better opportunities to build a better future for themselves and their children and become independent of the surrounding situations. Contact us if you would like to be added to our program here.
2. Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
The Adult and Dislocated Worker Program, under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, is designed to provide quality employment and training services to assist eligible individuals in finding and qualifying for meaningful employment and to help employers find the skilled workers they need to compete and succeed in business. You can qualify for this program if you are 18 years of age or a dislocated worker. More information about the program can be found using America’s Service Locator. You may also call the Employment and Training Administration Toll-Free Help Line for additional information regarding services and access points in your State or local area (multi-lingual services available): 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627); TTY: 1-877-889-5627.
3. Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP)
This program helps survivors of domestic abuse. Additionally, it offers them financial aid so they may go to college and graduate. Single mothers with young children are given special preference under the program because, generally, these encounter the biggest obstacles when earning a higher education degree. You can check their website for more information here.
4. Grants and Fellowships for Single Moms AAUW
Women can apply for grants and fellowships through the AAUW, including American Fellowships, Career Development Grants, Community Action Grants, International Fellowships, International Project Grants, and Selected Professions Fellowships. American Fellowships assists academic women in finishing their dissertations by providing them with the funding to conduct the necessary research. These scholarships also offer to fund publishable research studies. You can apply if you’re a student or a tenure-track professional working part-time faculty or an established researcher. However, tenured teachers are the only ones prohibited from participating.
5. Grants for Education for Single Parents FSEOG
The FSEOG can assist in financing postsecondary education. Students must check with their financial aid office to see if the FSEOG is available, as only a select few colleges receive it. Applicants must be enrolled in a college or university part of the program. Additionally, they need to finish the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you have received Federal Pell Grant, you must first spend that money before using any FSEOG funds.
6. Program for Continuing Education P.E.O.
Single mothers who want to complete their higher education can get a one-time monetary aid service from the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education.
If you need financial assistance to finish your education or certification and have a restricted income, call P.E.O. International Headquarters at 515-255-3153 to begin the application process. For further details, visit their website here.
7. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The FSEOG Program assists low-income students by making money accessible to various colleges and universities across the country to assist postsecondary students to pay for their higher education costs. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to request financial aid, but if you have any questions, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.
For further details, see the provided website link.
8. Federal Pell Grant Program
The Federal Pell Grant is a program that gives low-income postsecondary students easier access to higher education and is administered by the U.S. Department of Education. You can ask your child’s college or university whether they can help you with your application, as approximately 5,400 postsecondary schools participate in the program. The Federal Student Aid Information Center can be reached at 1-800-433-3243 if you prefer to speak with someone directly, or you can visit their website here.
9. Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award
The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards have replaced the Women’s Opportunity Awards as the event’s official name. The program’s main goal is to give single mothers the tools they need to advance their careers, education, or work possibilities. Depending on your needs and the situation, awards can range from $3,000 to $10,000. To find out if you qualify or to apply for help, call the Soroptimist Office at 215-893-5200. For further information, visit the website here.
It can be very difficult for single parents to find the time to get a degree or further education, but when there are so many programs that can help to cover financial costs, you should take advantage of all the opportunities you can get to improve yourself and your children’s future. Education is one of the best investments you can ever make.
