In these times of economic difficulties, many people are reassessing what they want to do with their lives and considering other training options to give them a better chance of a well-paid career. Although many consider on the job training or training through distance learning, others take the plunge and go back to college to complete their education to degree level. Going to college can be expensive for people of any age, but especially so for single mothers who along with their education are juggling the added responsibilities of looking after their children and their home. Government at both state and federal level are trying to encourage more single mothers into education as a way of breaking the cycle of poverty and reducing dependence on welfare. To support mothers through their education, there is a good range of school grants for single mothers available.
Start with your college
The best place to start with your search for additional grants for single parents is at the college where you plan to study. All major academic institutions will have a grant officer or monetary support officer whose job it is to inform students of funds available to them and give them tips on applying. Many of the funds are targeted at certain groups who are in need, and advice about which funds are most likely to help in each scenario will be valuable. Most of the school grants available are assessed on financial circumstance, and other factors such as academic record of achievement, field of study, or racial background may also be taken into consideration. It is wise to search out all of the funds which can help people in your situation, and apply to all of them to maximize your chances of being successful with your applications.
Federal Support
All students, whatever their circumstances, are eligible to apply for a Pell grant which will help meet some of their college expenses. Applications can be made online, or by picking up a form from the government offices. Pell grants are worth $5,500 per year, and as they are a grant, they do not have to be repaid on graduation. Loans which do have to be repaid eventually are also available to student single mothers and are another valuable source of income.
Living Expenses
Single mothers also have to support their children and run a household as well as studying, and the government has recognized this by providing additional support. One of the funds often accessed by single mothers who are studying is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, previously called the Aid to Families with Dependent Children fund. This welfare payment is not given in a lump sum as a grant would be, but the regular payments throughout the year can help with family budgeting and meeting regular expenses such as rent and other bills. Many churches and other charity groups also run schemes to support children and parents who are at college, and searching the internet for opportunities locally can be the best place to start.