The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has 11 scholarship funds for residents returning to higher education after being in the workforce or raising a family. One is the Davis Educational Fund, which is open to Sarasota County residents, either men or women, for college degrees or vocational training in health care. Applicants who can demonstrate financial need receive preference.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County
2635 Fruitville Road
Sarasota, FL 34237
941-955-3000
cfsarasota.org/scholarships
Herzing University in Orlando, Florida, offers bachelor's and associate degrees in business management, health care, electronics, graphic design and public safety. Students who did not enter college immediately after high school are eligible for Herzing's Adult Learner Scholarship, which carries a maximum of $500 a semester and is renewable for a second semester. To apply, candidates must show financial need, provide two letters of recommendation and complete an essay. Applicants must not be eligible to apply for Herzing's High School Merit Scholarship or its Henry G. Herzing Scholarship.
Herzing University Orlando
1595 S. Semoran Blvd.
Winter Park, FL 32792
407-478-0500
herzing.edu
Altrusa International was founded in 1917 as the first women's service club in the United States. Headquartered in Gainesville, Altrusa provides several scholarships for women over age 25 returning to school after pursuing careers or raising families. The scholarship is open to all Alachua and Bradford county residents attending Gainesville's Santa Fe College. The award amount is $1,000 per year and is renewable for another year. Students must be enrolled full time and keep a minimum 2.5 grade-point average for a renewal.
Santa Fe College
3000 NW 83 St.
Gainesville, FL 32606
352-395-5000
sfcollege.edu
The AAUW, formerly the American Association of University Women, has over 30 branches in Florida. Some, like the Sarasota County branch, offer adult learner scholarships for residents to attend higher education programs in the counties where they reside. On a broader scale, the AAUW offers adult female learners Career Development Grants to be used at any accredited two- or four-year college in the United States. These grants range from $2,000 to $12,000 and are for women who have already received bachelor's degrees and are looking to change careers or re-enter the workforce. Applicants seeking a second bachelor's degree, a master's degree or specialized training are eligible.
AAUW
Dept. 60
301 ACT Drive
Iowa City, IA 52243
800-326-2289
aauw.org