7 Scholarships for Moms Wanting to Go Back to School in 2021

Overview

• Tips for going back to school and pursuing a degree as a mom
• How scholarships work and how to apply for them
• A list of scholarships designed just for moms, including details on how to apply

If you’re considering going back to school after having kids, you’re not alone. Many moms decide to return to school and become college students to better their career prospects. One of the biggest concerns you might have, however, is how you’ll pay for it.

The good news is that there are a lot of options available to help you pay for your education. Not only are local, state, and federal financial assistance available, but there is an abundance of scholarships out there. Scholarships can make a significant difference in the cost of attending a college or university, and there are several made just for people like you.

This article outlines several scholarship options for mothers who are looking to go back to school.

Many mothers return to school to finish earning a college degree while raising their children. In fact, this option is becoming increasingly popular with the abundance of undergraduate degree programs with flexible schedules, online courses, and financial aid options available.

The following are some tips and resources to consider as you plan your return to college:

• Check out your local community college. Local community colleges are designed to meet the needs of local communities. Many students returning to school after a gap in their education can easily find paths that get them back up to speed and on track. Moreover, these schools tend to have smaller class sizes, as well as more evening, weekend, and online course options. They also offer tutoring and other resources.
• Look for schools with child care. Many community colleges and state and local universities even have on-campus child care programs with spots reserved for students. This can make going back to school that much easier because you can simply drop your kids off in the same place you learn.
• Apply for financial aid. File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which helps you access federal student loans, Pell Grants, and work-study through the U.S. Department of Education. These programs can help pay for your education. Grant programs offer free money with no repayment required, while loans are borrowed money you’ll need to repay.
• Consider attending part time. Instead of only looking at full-time programs, look for part-time attendance options so that you can still meet all the demands of your busy schedule.
• Apply for scholarships. Scholarships are free money that you can use to cover the cost of tuition and other school-related expenses. There are even scholarships targeted toward mothers.

Scholarships are needs-based, merit-based, or a combination of the two. Needs-based scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic performance and may have certain GPA requirements. Need-based awards may also be referred to as grants instead of scholarships, but they work roughly the same way.

Every scholarship application process is different. Each scholarship has different eligibility requirements, such as being a U.S. citizen or pursuing your first bachelor’s degree. For most scholarships, you will need to offer biographical information, declare your program of choice, and provide information about your financial situation. Many scholarships also require a personal statement or an essay that is used to assess your situation.

Most scholarships will have a specific deadline for the following academic year. All materials must be submitted before that deadline. Afterward, judges select who will receive the awards, and they notify the recipients. Often, the funds are paid directly to the school or program to cover tuition costs. However, you may also receive a direct check if some of the funds are meant for living and other expenses.

The following are seven college scholarships designed for mothers who are looking to go back to school in 2021:

• Little Bundle Supermom Scholarship. This award of $2,000 is focused on supporting single moms, children of single moms, or people whose lives have been impacted positively by single moms. The application includes an essay illustrating impact, passion, and drive. Awards are granted every six months, and the next application deadline is December 31st, 2021. This program also offers a high school award, as well.

• The Custody X Change Giving Fund. This scholarship fund awards $500 or $1,000 to single parent students around the world. The application requires you to write a short essay about how you will use your education to improve your family. There are three application deadlines each year on August 31st, December 31st, and April 30th.

• Selected Professions Fellowships. For women who wish to attend a master’s program in architecture, information sciences, engineering, or mathematics (see website for more info), Selected Professions Fellowships can award between $5,000–$18,000 to female U.S. citizens. Applications are open from August 1st to December 1st.

• Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Prize. This $1,000 prize ($250 for runner up) is awarded by the Association for Women in Mathematics to undergraduate women studying math. The nomination period runs from August 15th to October 1st.

• Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards. These awards provide up to $16,000 for women who provide the primary financial support for their families. Soroptimist gives out more than $2.8 million in education awards each year to around 1,700 women globally. Awards can be used to offset tuition costs, in addition to books, child care, and other expenses. The application requires references and a personal statement. The application portal is open from Aug. 1 through Nov. 15 each year.

• BK Krenzer Memorial Reentry Scholarship. This award of $3,250 — sponsored by the Society of Women Engineers — is for women re-entering college and continuing education after a break and planning on studying engineering. The application deadline is in spring each year.

• Women’s Independence Scholarship Program. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must identify as a female survivor of intimate partner abuse. You must have separated from your abuser in the last seven years and gotten help from a nonprofit for abuse survivors. Awards range from $500 to $2,000 per semester or quarter, and you can reapply each year.

These are just a few of the opportunities available. You can look online for additional scholarship opportunities as well, including ones specific to your local area or school, or designed for nontraditional students, single parents, first-time students, or those with a financial need.

Going back to school and earning a degree is a great way to boost your career potential — whether you want an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or other certification. Are you wondering what career is right for you? Discover the opportunities available on Joblist and try out our quiz-page to explore ideas!