top scholarships available for women returning to school after a break

In this post, I will show you the top scholarships available for women returning to school after a break. If you have been asking about financial aid opportunities for women re-entering education, this post is for you.

Returning to school after a hiatus can be both exciting and challenging, especially when considering the financial commitment involved. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are designed specifically to support women in this journey. Below is a curated list of some of the best scholarships available:

Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is aimed at low-income women aged 35 and older who are pursuing undergraduate degrees or vocational education. Since its inception, the fund has awarded over $2.75 million in scholarships to more than 1,000 women.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Female, age 35 or older
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Pursuing a technical or vocational education, associate’s degree, or first bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrates financial need

Application Deadline: Typically in February; check the official website for exact dates.

PEO Program for Continuing Education Grant

The Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) offers need-based grants of up to $3,000 to women whose education has been interrupted and who wish to return to school to complete a degree or certification.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Female student who has had at least 24 consecutive months as a non-student in her adult life
• Enrolled in an accredited program leading to a degree or certification
• Within 18 months of completing the educational program

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round; however, submissions should be made at least eight weeks prior to the start of the term for which the grant is requested.

Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award

This program provides financial assistance to women who are the primary financial support for their families and are seeking to improve their education, skills, and employment prospects. Each year, more than $2 million in education grants are awarded to over 1,500 women.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Female with primary financial responsibility for herself and dependents
• Enrolled in or has been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program
• Demonstrates financial need

Application Deadline: Applications are typically accepted from August 1 to November 15 each year.

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Career Development Grants

AAUW offers Career Development Grants to women who hold a bachelor’s degree and are preparing to advance or change careers or re-enter the workforce. Grants range from $2,000 to $12,000.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Female, U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Hold a bachelor’s degree
• Plan to enroll in courses or programs that are required for professional employment or advancement

Application Deadline: Typically in November; refer to the AAUW website for specific dates.

Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships

SWE offers scholarships to support women pursuing careers in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science. Awards range from $1,000 to $15,000.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Female undergraduate or graduate student
• Enrolled or accepted in an ABET-accredited program in engineering, technology, or computing in the upcoming academic year
• Not receiving full funding for education from another organization

Application Deadline: Freshmen: March 1 to May 15; Sophomores and above: December 1 to February 15.

Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Education Support Award

This award is for low-income women with children who are pursuing education or training. The foundation offers up to $5,000 per recipient.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Female, at least 17 years old
• Mother with minor children
• Enrolled in a skills training, ESL, GED, or degree program
• Low-income (annual family income less than $20,000 for a family of two; less than $24,000 for a family of three)

Application Deadline: Typically in August; check the foundation’s website for exact dates.

AARP Foundation Women’s Scholarship Program

AARP offers scholarships to women aged 50 and older who are seeking new job skills, training, and educational opportunities to support themselves and their families.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Female, age 50 or older
• Low-income
• Enrolled in an accredited school or technical program within six months of the scholarship award date

Application Deadline: Typically in March; refer to the AARP Foundation website for specific dates.

Osher Reentry Scholarship Program

The Bernard Osher Foundation offers scholarships to students who have experienced a cumulative gap in their education of five or more years and are now pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have experienced a cumulative gap in education of five or more years
• Demonstrates financial need
• Enrolled at an institution participating in the Osher Reentry Scholarship Program

Application Deadline: Varies by participating institution. Check with your college or university to learn more.

The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP)

This program is specifically designed for women survivors of domestic violence who are looking to gain financial independence through education. WISP awards scholarships to women pursuing various degrees, from technical certifications to undergraduate and graduate programs.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Survivor of intimate partner abuse
• Separated from their abuser for at least one year
• Enrolled in or accepted into an accredited program
• Demonstrates financial need

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarships

Alpha Sigma Lambda, an honor society for adult learners, offers scholarships to non-traditional students who are returning to school. These scholarships support women balancing school, work, and family responsibilities. Awards range from $500 to $3,000.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Member of Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society
• Enrolled in a degree program at an institution with an active ASL chapter
• Non-traditional student (defined as 24 years or older or having a significant gap in education)

Application Deadline: Typically in April; check the Alpha Sigma Lambda website for updates.

Emerge Scholarship Fund

Emerge Scholarships are awarded to women who have faced significant life challenges and are seeking to improve their lives through education. These scholarships are designed to empower women to achieve their educational goals, regardless of age or background.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Female, at least 25 years old
• Experienced significant life challenges or obstacles
• Enrolled in or accepted into an accredited program in the United States

Application Deadline: Varies; check the Emerge Scholarship website for more details.

Talbots Women’s Scholarship Fund

Offered by Talbots, this scholarship supports women who are returning to school later in life. Each year, the fund awards multiple scholarships, including one $30,000 scholarship and several $10,000 scholarships.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Female, residing in the U.S. or Canada
• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a bachelor’s or associate degree program
• High school diploma or GED earned at least 10 years ago

Application Deadline: Typically in January; check the Talbots website for updated information.

Return 2 College Scholarship Program

The Return 2 College program offers scholarships to adult learners who are planning to return to school to complete their education. These scholarships, valued at $1,000, can be used for tuition, books, or other education-related expenses.

Eligibility Criteria:

• At least 17 years old
• U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Enrolled in a college or university or planning to enroll within 12 months

Application Deadline: Applications are typically accepted year-round.

Executive Women International (EWI) Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarships

EWI offers scholarships to non-traditional students, particularly adult women returning to school after a break. These scholarships are aimed at helping women achieve their educational and career goals.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Demonstrates financial need
• Non-traditional student returning to school after a gap in education
• Enrolled in or planning to enroll in an accredited program

Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by EWI chapter; check with your local chapter for specific dates.

Michigan Women’s Foundation Scholarship Program

This program supports women in Michigan who are returning to school after a break. It provides scholarships for vocational training, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Female resident of Michigan
• Demonstrates financial need
• Enrolled in or planning to enroll in a degree or certification program

Application Deadline: Typically in March; check the Michigan Women’s Foundation website for more details.

FAQs About Scholarships for Women Returning to School

1. Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for each.

2. Are these scholarships available for international students?
Most scholarships are available for U.S. citizens or permanent residents, but some, like the PEO Program, may accept international applicants. Always check eligibility criteria.

3. What if I don’t qualify for need-based scholarships?
Look for merit-based scholarships or scholarships focused on specific fields of study, such as engineering or healthcare.

4. Are there scholarships for single mothers returning to school?
Yes, scholarships like the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Award and the WISP program specifically cater to single mothers.

5. How do I improve my chances of winning a scholarship?
Focus on writing a compelling personal essay, gathering strong recommendation letters, and ensuring your application is complete and submitted before the deadline.

6. Are there online scholarships for women returning to school?
Yes, many scholarships support online learners. Be sure to check if the program you’re enrolling in is accredited.

Conclusion

Returning to school after a break is a commendable step, and these scholarships are here to support your journey. Whether you’re pursuing a degree, vocational training, or professional certification, there are numerous opportunities tailored to meet your needs.

If you’ve been searching for “best scholarships for women returning to school,” the options listed in this post offer a great starting point. Take advantage of these opportunities and achieve your educational goals without the financial stress.