College grants for single teenage mothers are available to help these people to get back on their feet. Being a mother while still at teenage is difficult and need lots of support from families. The hardship becomes even worse when the father refuses to take part of the responsibility. Single teen mother is considered as one of the most at-risk population because they generally haven’t had proper education, a steady job, and health security.
To make things worse, the cost of higher education these days are simply too expensive. Even people who are under normal circumstances think that a college education is very costly. Therefore, it is understandable that many single teen mothers think that they will have to postpone, quit or stop pursuing their undergraduate degree because of the high cost of education. Fortunately, there are many grant programs provided in the US from the government and private foundations alike.
College Grants for Single Teenage Mothers
Here are some examples of college grants for single teenage moms:
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is the most popular type of education grant in United States. It has a very reliable source of funding, and the program has helped thousands of financially needy students. If you’re looking for a college grant, the first thing you want to do is to apply for the Pell Grant because there are other grants that limit their eligibility to Federal Pell grant awardees.
Meanwhile, other grants favor Pell grant awardees heavily in their selection. Someone who receives the Pell grant is automatically confirmed by the government as somebody who need help in covering the cost of education.
Single teen mothers are one of the top priorities in Pell Grant. However, in order to see how much of free money you can get you need to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It’s a standardized procedure that can determine your eligibility and how much you will receive based on various information, including assets, annual income, family structure, etc. If the teen mother is still living with her parents, she should also include information about the assets and income of the parent. But in most cases the single mothers apply as an independent.
The whole process is pretty straightforward, so it should be pretty easy. You should submit your FAFSA as soon as possible, because the Federal Pell Grant award is based on first come first served system. Also, once all of the funding is for the participants, there will be no additional money available. This year the Pell Grant maximum annual amount is $5650, and you need to submit the FAFSA before June 30.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The FSEOG grant is available for needy students, with Pell Grant awardees are put first. It can be an excellent additional money for covering the tuition cost or day to day living expenses. Unfortunately, it also has a limited funding; so you really need to submit your FAFSA as soon as possible. You can start to submit your FAFSA from January 1. So, we recommend you prepare all the information before that time and submit it on that day. This will increase your chance getting both Pell and FSEOG grants.
Other notable higher education grants from the Federal government are Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), National SMART (Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent) Grants, and College grants for single teenage mothers from the State government.
College Grants for Single Teenage Mothers – GoGirl! Grants
The GoGirl! Grants, provided by The Girlfriend Factor, aim to support women in the Coachella Valley who require college grants for single teenage mothers. These grants cater to individuals who may not fit the traditional student mold. Thus, offering opportunities for women aged 25 and above who are actively pursuing an undergraduate degree or occupational certification. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must currently active in at least two classes and reside in California’s Coachella Valley.
The primary objective of these grants is to empower women by facilitating their educational endeavors, thereby enhancing their career prospects and contributing to the overall strength and prosperity of the community. The Girlfriend Factor recognizes the importance of providing support to non-traditional students, acknowledging the various challenges they may face in accessing educational opportunities.
GoGirl! Grants are available in varying amounts. The intention of the grant is to address the diverse needs of applicants and to facilitate their educational journeys. The Girlfriend Factor holds two application deadlines annually, on December 15th and June 15th. The grant provides opportunities for eligible candidates to apply for assistance at convenient intervals throughout the year.
The Soroptomist Live Your Dream Award
The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award program extends invaluable support to women who serve as the primary financial providers for their families, be it for children, parents, siblings, or spouses. This initiative is dedicated to assisting women in pursuing their educational aspirations. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled in or accepted to an undergraduate program or vocational training program. Additionally, applicants must reside in a Soroptimist member country.
This program annually disburses over $2.6 million in grants. This offers recipients the opportunity to receive up to $16,000. These funds can be utilized to cover various expenses associated with education, including tuition fees, transportation costs, and childcare expenses. The aim is to alleviate the financial burden that often impedes women from accessing educational opportunities and advancing their careers.
Throughout the application process, candidates must submit a personal statement detailing their educational and career goals. Besides, candidates must submit two references attesting to their character and circumstances. The selection committee places great emphasis on supporting women who have demonstrated resilience and perseverance in overcoming adversity, such as experiences of domestic violence or poverty.
Applications for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award are between August 1st and November 15th. This, provide the eligible candidates with a defined timeframe to apply for this transformative opportunity. Through this program, Soroptimist endeavors to empower women to achieve their full potential.
The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Support Award
The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Support Award is available to offer assistance specifically to young mothers who are committed to advancing their education. To qualify for this award, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria. They must be female and either 17 years old or older. Additionally, they must be mothers with one or more children under the age of 18. Furthermore, applicants must be pursuing their first degree and enrolled in an accredited, non-profit institution. Eligibility extends to individuals from low-income backgrounds.
This award provides significant support, offering up to $5,000 per year to five deserving recipients. The foundation assesses applicants based on a range of factors, including their involvement in community service and activism, as well as their chosen degree program. Personal circumstances and financial need are also taken into consideration during the selection process.
Recipients of the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Support Award have the flexibility to utilize the funds for either living expenses or educational costs. This flexibility aims to alleviate the financial strain associated with pursuing higher education as a young mother. The scholarship serves as a valuable resource, empowering recipients to focus on their academic pursuits while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood.
References:
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
- Image: northcountrypublicradio.org
- https://www.greatvaluecolleges.net/scholarships/young-moms/
