Scholarships for African American Women Over 40

AARP Women's Scholarship Program

• AARP is a non-profit organization that offers up to 100 scholarships to low-income women seeking educational advancement and job training. This program targets women returning to work following an absence of at least five years; women caring for relatives' children; and women working in low-paying jobs with limited career opportunities. Eligible candidates must be a U.S. citizen, at least 40 years old and demonstrate financial need. In addition, applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college, university or technical training program within six months of the scholarship deadline. Scholarship awards range from $500 to $5,000.

  Women's Scholarship Program

  AARP

  601 E St. NW

  Washington, DC 20049

  888-687-2277

  aarp.org

AAUW Career Development Grant

• The American Association of University Women offers 47 grants to women who hold a bachelor's degree and wish to pursue an advanced degree to re-enter the workplace, switch jobs or excel in their career. Preference is given to women of color and applicants pursuing their first advanced degree or credentials in non-traditional areas such as mathematics, engineering and international development. According to the AAUW website, awards totaling $500,000 are given for tuition, books, transportation, school supplies and care-giving expenses for dependents. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

  AAUW Career Development Grant

  American Association of University Women

  1111 16th St. NW

  Washington, DC 20036

  202-785-7700

  aauw.org

Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund

• This scholarship is eligible for women over age 35 who are U.S. citizens and pursuing their first bachelor's degree, associate's degree or certificate from a vocational or technical school. Applicants must also be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited university, college or educational program at the time of application. Students must meet eligibility requirements based on the income guidelines established by the Department of Labor's Lower Living Standard. Each scholarship winner receives $2,000 for the school year, which can be used for tuition, books, living expenses and child care.

  Women's Scholarship Fund

  Jeannette Rankin Foundation

  1 Huntington Road, Suite 701

  Athens, GA 30606

  706-208-1211

  rankinfoundation.org