To be eligible for this program, women must be over the age of 40, and they must be seeking advanced educational or training opportunities that will make them more marketable for employment and career advancement. The goal of the AARP program is to help women become more financially secure for themselves and their families through education, especially as they age and have to compete with younger workers. This grant is generally given out each year to current workers who can demonstrate that they have financial need and fall in the low to medium income level. As of 2010, the grants range from $500 to $5,000. The application process starts February 1 and closes on March 31.
AARP
601 East Street, Northwest
Washington DC 20049
888-687-2277
aarp.org
This grant is given out by the AAUW, which seeks to promote women and girls' rights through education, advocacy work, charity and research. The grant is for women who currently hold a bachelor's degree who wish to pursue an advanced degree. This grant is also given to women who need additional training or education to either switch careers or re-enter the job force after a break. Priority is given to minority women or women who will be seeking their first advanced degree, but PhD studies are not funded. To be eligible, women must be citizens of the United States, or legal permanent residents. Classes must be taken at an accredited two or four-year college or university or at an accredited or licensed technical school. Grant funds must be used for one of the following purposes: School fees, materials, tuition, books, child care or transportation costs. The deadline for this grant is December 15, and grant amounts range from $2,000 to $12,000 in 2010.
AAUW
301 ACT Drive, Department 60
Iowa City, IA 52243-4030
202-785-7700
aauw.org
The Talbots Charitable Foundation gives out up to 10 scholarships per year for $15,000 each, and one scholarship for $30,000, as of 2010. These grants are open to women who live either in the United States or Canada and who have either a high school diploma or GED. To be eligible, applicants must be currently attending a college, technical school or university, and they must have at a minimum two semesters left. This program is open to students attending either full- or part-time, but it is only open to undergraduate students. The deadline for this scholarship is January 2, and the application must be filled out online.
Talbots Charitable Foundation
75 Beal Street
Hingham, MA 02043
507-931-1682
talbots.com