Pell grants are regarded as building blocks for government financial aid to which further scholarships can be added. Pell grants are need-based and do not require repayment. For the 2010 to 2011 academic year, the maximum award is $5,500. You must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA to be considered. You also must be an undergraduate student who has not earned a bachelor's or graduate degree to be eligible.
The SMART grant, an extension of the Pell, is worth up to $4,000 per academic year. You cannot be considered for the SMART grant unless you are eligible for the Pell. Students are eligible during their third and fourth years of schooling. You must be attending school at least part-time, studying computer science, mathematics, engineering, critical foreign language, physical life or technology. Applicants also must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Single mothers also may benefit from the FSEOG program, which looks at each applicant's financial situation and awards money based on extreme need. Recipients of Pell grants who have low expected contributions from families will be considered first for this award. This may especially benefit single moms. You can receive $100 to $4,000 a year.