It’s hard being a mother and pursuing an education at the same time – especially when you consider how hard it is just to be a mother! Not to mention the cost of returning to school. A lot of women feel trapped in the predicament of wanting to further their educations and careers but also needing to provide for their families at the same time. Unless you’re sitting on a pile of money (and if you are, please let me borrow some for school), you’re going to have to figure out how to take the time away from work in order to reach your educational goal, as well as how to pay for it. Your best bet is to find grants – money you don’t have to pay back – to return to school. Here are some tips for finding educational grants for mothers hoping to find jobs in healthcare.
Internet Sources
An online search return a number of free search sites, like this one, that you can use to find grants you may qualify for. Simply input your specifics and read the necessary qualifications.
Pell Grants
These federally-funded grants are need-based. Anyone may apply, and you may receive up to around $5000 per semester if you qualify. Search the web for the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply either online, or have a form sent to you. It is important to note that you must fill out an FAFSA and qualify for Pell grants in order to apply for the other grants available through the federal government.
Other Federal Grants
The academic competitive grant (ACG) is a performance-based grant that you may only be eligible for during your first and second year of college. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a need-based grant that is meant to supplement what is provided for by the Pell grant, if you qualify. For both the ACG and the FSEOG, you must fill out an FAFSA.
State Grants
Go to your library or search the Internet for state-funded grants. For a listing of state agencies that provide grant information, check out the U.S. Department of Education website.
College Grants
Make an appointment with your school’s financial advisor and ask about school-specific grants for moms. Many colleges fund grants for single mothers, as they constitute such a large segment of the student population.
Healthcare Organizations
Organizations like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Nurses Association offer grants specific to the fields of healthcare you want to pursue.
Congratulations on your decision to go back to school in order to make a better life for you and your family. Keep in mind that finding the money to go to school can be like a full-time job, but that there are a variety of resources to tap into to make your dreams come true. Most of all, know that, in the end, all of your hard work will pay off.
A Ghanaian special educator and a mother in financial constraint to pay remain fees and accommodation books appeal to your office for financial aid. Thanks.