20 Great Scholarships for Moms

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Scholarships for moms can help women with dependents better afford their college education.

Whether you’re a single mother or former stay-at-home mom, you’re not alone in returning to college. The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) found that 26 percent of today’s undergraduates are raising children. More than 3.4 million students in the United States are juggling motherhood along with work and school obligations. Single-mother families are nearly 42 percent more likely to live in poverty. Only 33 percent of mothers can complete their degree within six years due to dependent care. There’s a bright side, though, because many organizations have established funds to empower young mothers.

Open doors for better jobs and opportunities for your children by applying for these 20 great scholarships for mothers.

Top Scholarships for Moms Available

1. Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 15th

The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund  offers over 2,300 scholarships annually for parents. These can be either moms or dads. They are those who are raising their children alone and seeking their first college degree. For up to $1,750, candidates must:

  • be Arkansas residents
  • have a high school diploma or GED
  • qualify for the Pell Grant
  • live at or near poverty level
  • be accepted into an accredited associate or bachelor’s program
  • maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Contact

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund
614 East Emma Avenue Suite 119
Springdale, AR 72764
(479) 935-4888
info@spsfnwa.org
Scholarship Link

2. BK Krenzer Memorial Re-Entry Scholarship

Deadline: February 17th

The BK Krenzer Memorial Re-Entry Scholarship is granted by the Society of Women Engineers. They provide $2,500 for single moms and non-traditional students who are returning to college for any engineering degree. Eligible applicants must:

  • attend an ABET-accredited college
  • carry a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • enroll at least half-time
  • be U.S. citizens

Applications must include:

  • official transcripts
  • a current resume
  • two STEM faculty recommendations.
Contact

BK Krenzer Memorial Re-Entry Scholarship
203 North LaSalle Street Suite 1675
Chicago, IL 60601
(877) 793-4636
hq@swe.org
Scholarship Link

3. Capture the Dream Single Parent Scholarship

Deadline: June 30th

The Capture the Dream Single Parent Scholarship is $1,000. It’s awarded annually to college undergraduate students who are the legal parent or guardian for one or more minor children. Qualified applicants must:

  • reside in California’s Bay Area
  • have an annual household income below 100 percent LLSIL
  • attend an accredited two or four-year colleg

. Single moms and dads must write a 1,000-word essay showing how they’ve overcome the challenges of single parenting.

Contact

Capture the Dream Single Parent Scholarship
484 Lake Park Avenue Suite 15
Oakland, CA 94610
(510) 343-3635
scholarships@capturethedream.org
Scholarship Link

4. Curiel & Runion Single Mother Scholarships

Deadline: June 5th

Arizona law office Curiel & Runion offers the Single Mother Scholarships. It provides $1,000 annually to two deserving moms. They must be going back to school while caring for at least one child under 18 years old. Eligible recipients must be enrolling in an accredited U.S. college or university. They must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Finalists are chosen based on their 500-word essay discussing the advantages of attending college after experiencing motherhood.

Contact

Curiel & Runion Single Mother Scholarships
1221 East Osborn Road
Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602) 595-5559
scholarship@curielandrunion.com
Scholarship Link

5. Dr. Wynetta A. Frazier Sister-to-Sister Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

The Dr. Wynetta A. Frazier Sister-to-Sister Scholarship is sponsored by the National Hook-Up of Black Women. It’s awarded for $1,000 to mature African American women whose college education was interrupted by familial responsibilities. To qualify, mothers must:

  • be enrolling at an accredited U.S. college
  • be at least 25 years old
  • be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree
  • submit two letters of recommendation
  • write a 500-word essay discussing the issue of “Black Lives Matter.”
Contact

Dr. Wynetta A. Frazier Sister-to-Sister Scholarship
1809 East 71st Street
Chicago, IL 60649
(773) 667-7061
info@nhbwinc.com
Scholarship Link

6. Emerge Scholarships

Deadline: May 15th

The Emerge Scholarships range from $2,000 to $5,000 each.  They’re awarded yearly to mothers whose education was delayed or interrupted. Qualified women must:

  • be Georgia residents
  • at least 25 years old
  • enrolling full-time or part-time in an accredited U.S. college or technical school

Applications won’t be accepted without:

  • proof of residency
  • an acceptance letter
  • official transcripts
  • two recommendation letters
  • an essay discussing obstacles applicants have overcome.
Contact

Emerge Scholarships
3525 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 477-5808
info@emergescholarships.org
Scholarship Link

7. Executive Women International ASIST Scholarships

Deadline: April 15th

The Executive Women International (EWI) offers the Adult Students in Scholastic Transition  Scholarships. The awards are $2,000 to $10,000 for non-traditional female students, especially single mothers, who are entering an accredited college or trade school. Eligible recipients must:

  • be U.S. citizens or legal residents
  • face economic challenges
  • reside within 50 miles of their local EWI chapter
  • be at least 18 years old
  • submit two personal recommendation forms.
Contact

Executive Women International ASIST Scholarships
3860 South 2300 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84109
(801) 355-2800
ewi@ewiconnect.com
Scholarship Link

8. Ford Opportunity Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

The Ford Opportunity Scholarship program honors Hallie E. Ford. The program grants $1,000 to $25,000 each academic year for 50 single mothers and fathers who need financial assistance to earn a bachelor’s degree. Qualified candidates must:

  • be the “head of household” without a domestic partner
  • achieve a cumulative GPA over 3.0
  • reside in Oregon or Siskiyou County, California
  • have a high school diploma or GED
  • attend a non-profit, Title IV eligible college.
Contact

Ford Opportunity Scholarship
440 East Broadway Suite 200
Eugene, OR 97401
(877) 864-2872
fordscholarships@tfff.org
Scholarship Link

9. Helen M. Clymer Scholarship Fund

Deadline: April 3rd

Berks County Community Foundation administers the Helen M. Clymer Scholarship Fund. It awards one or more $1,000 scholarships for single moms who have sole guardianship for natural children 17 years of age or younger. To be eligible, applicants must:

  • reside in Berks County
  • plan to attend a two or four-year Pennsylvania college
  • exhibit unmet financial need

Applications must include:

  • a high school transcript
  • letter of recommendation
  • 500-word career goals essay.
Contact

Helen M. Clymer Scholarship Fund
237 Court Street
Reading, PA 19601
(610) 685-2223
info@bccf.org
Scholarship Link

10. Helping Hands for Single Moms Scholarship

Deadline: Varies

The Helping Hands for Single Moms Scholarship gives an unrestricted $270 monthly stipend. It goes to low-income single mothers in the Phoenix Metro Valley and Maricopa County. They must be raising at least one child under age 11 while earning a bachelor’s degree. Eligible moms must:

  • be single or divorced without a domestic partner
  • register at an accredited Arizona college
  • carry at least nine credits per semester
  • maintain a 2.8 GPA or better
  • meet federal poverty guidelines.
Contact

Helping Hands for Single Moms Scholarship
360 East Coronado Road
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 796-7875
chris.coffman@helpinghandsforsinglemomusa.org
Scholarship Link

11. Illinois Mothers of Twins Club Scholarship

Deadline: September 1st

The Illinois Organization of Mothers of Twins Club (IOMOTC) selects five mothers to receive a scholarship for completing accredited coursework at a trade school or college/university. They must be mothers of:

  • twins
  • triplets
  • quadruplets, or more

Qualified moms must:

  • reside in Illinois
  • demonstrate participation in IOMOTC activities
  • have an average GPA of “C” or better
  • establish financial need
  • have not been a previous recipient.
Contact

Illinois Mothers of Twins Club Scholarship
2776 Glendower Terrace
Elgin, IL 60124
(847) 697-7806
scholarship@iomotc.org
Scholarship Link

12. Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarships

Deadline: March 18th

The Jeannett Rankin Women’s Scholarships are bestowed for at least $2,000 upon 50 or more outstanding low-income female students. These including mothers, aged 35 or older who are accepted into a regionally accredited post-secondary institution. Eligible candidates must:

  • be U.S. citizens
  • fall below federal poverty level
  • be pursuing their first undergraduate degree
  • have clear career goals to better their lives

Requirements include:

  • submitting proof of acceptance
  • academic transcripts
  • tax forms
  • two recommendations.
Contact

Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarships
1 Huntington Road Suite 701
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 208-1211
info@rankinfoundation.org
Scholarship Link

13. Judith Heavenrich Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: February 15th

The Saginaw Community Foundation offers the Judith Heavenrich Memorial Scholarship. It honors a beloved counselor who was paralyzed following an auto accident. For the $1,500 scholarship, candidates must:

  • be single mothers
  • reside in Saginaw County
  • have missed college for two or more consecutive semesters
  • be returning for an associate or bachelor’s degree at an accredited Michigan college
  • exhibit financial need.
Contact

Judith Heavenrich Memorial Scholarship
1 Tuscola Suite 100B
Saginaw, MI 48607
(989) 755-0545
leeann@saginawfoundation.org
Scholarship Link

14. Adobe Research Women in Technology Scholarship

Deadline: December 31st

Valued at $10,000, the Adobe Research Women in Technology Scholarship is valued at $10,000. It’s granted annually to female undergraduate students. They must be enrolled full-time at accredited U.S. institutions and havea declared major in:

  • computer science
  • computer engineering
  • information technology
  • another closely related field

Eligible women must submit:

  • a resume
  • academic transcripts
  • three references
  • four essay responses
  • an optional 60-second video describing their dream technology career

Recipients also earn:

  • a one-year Creative Cloud subscription
  • Adobe Research mentor
  • summer internship.
Contact

Adobe Research Women in Technology Scholarship
345 Park Avenue
San Jose, CA 95110
(408) 536-6000
scholarship@adoberesearch.com
Scholarship Link

15. Moss Adams Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: April 30th

The Moss Adams Foundation Scholarships are available for single or stay-at-home mothers who are returning to school as re-entry juniors or seniors. The awards are for $1,000 through the Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA). Eligible women must:

  • be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting
  • attend an accredited U.S. business school
  • display academic merit with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • exhibit financial need

There’s also the $1,000 Michele L. McDonald Memorial Scholarship.

Contact

Moss Adams Foundation Scholarships
136 South Keowee Street
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 424-3391
info@efwa.org
Scholarship Link

16. Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Awards

Deadline: August 1st

The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Awards honor of the first minority woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. The $5,000 awards are one of the most lucrative scholarships for mothers. For consideration, women must:

  • be at least 17
  • be raising minor custodial children
  • be pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree
  • enroll at an accredited, non-profit U.S. college
  • have an annual family income less than $20,000.
Contact

Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Awards
P.O. Box 479
Honolulu, Hawaii 96809
(808) 537-6333
scholarships@hcf-hawaii.org
Scholarship Link

17. PEO Continuing Education Scholarship

Deadline: November 1st

The Philanthropic Educational Organization Sisterhood’s Continuing Education Scholarship can provide $3,000 to mothers. They must need financial assistance to return to school and complete a college degree or certification. Eligible applicants must:

  • be citizens of the United States or Canada
  • have spent at least 24 consecutive months as a non-student
  • attend an accredited college
  • be within two years of graduation and job advancement.
Contact

PEO Continuing Education Scholarship
3700 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 255-3153
Scholarship Link

18. Shan Pynes Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 1st

The Northwest Association of Mothers of Twins Clubs (NAMOTC) offers the Shan Pynes Scholarship Fund. It awards several $1,000 scholarships for moms of multiple birth children who are seeking higher education. Qualified NAMOTC members can attend any accredited two- or four-year college in:

  • Washington
  • Oregon
  • Idaho
  • Montana
  • Alaska
  • British Columbia, Canada

There’s also the Gwen Larson Making Opportunities for More Schooling Scholarship.

Contact

Shan Pynes Scholarship Fund
8711 Coralie Place NW
Bremerton, WA 98311
(360) 692-3580
nwatreasurer@aol.com
Scholarship Link

19. Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards

Deadline: November 15th

The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards are gifted for $3,000, $5,000, and $10,000 annually to  women worldwide who provide the primary financial support for their children or other dependents. Eligible recipients must:

  • have economic need
  • be enrolled in vocational training or an undergraduate program
  • have overcome obstacles
  • be motivated to achieve their career goals

Applications are accepted from Soroptimist International member countries in the Americas, including Guam and Taiwan.

Contact

Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards
1709 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 893-9000
siahq@soroptimist.org
Scholarship Link

20. Women’s Independence Scholarship Program

Deadline: Ongoing

The Sunshine Lady Foundation offers the Women’s Independence Scholarship Program. It helps  financially support women, particularly single mothers with young children, who have survived intimate partner abuse. Qualified candidates must:

  • have critical financial need
  • be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
  • be accepted into an accredited college
  • have separated from their abuser for at least one year
  • carry a GPA of 2.75 or higher
  • have sought help at a domestic violence agency for six months.
Contact

Women’s Independence Scholarship Program
4900 Randall Parkway Suite H
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 397-7742
tammy@wispinc.org
Scholarship Link

Returning to college can significantly improve your ability to build a better life for you and your children. According to Pew Research, college graduates aged 25 to 32 earn around $17,500 more each year than workers with only a high school diploma. Technical STEM subjects can generate a 20-year return of nearly $500,000. However, affording your journey into higher education while covering childcare and commuting costs is stressful. Filing the FAFSA form is advised because many single mothers qualify for the Federal Pell and FSEOG Grants.

These 20 great scholarships for moms can also provide free financial aid for your degree.

GCD Staff

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This concludes our coverage of top scholarships for moms available to make paying for college easier.

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