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Scholarships for African American Mothers

Going to college can be intimidating even for students with families steeped in the college traditions and mores for which they have known since birth. And if you are an African American mother--especially a single one--then applying for college and trying to pay for it is that much more difficult.

Studies show that 76 percent of African American mothers finished high school but only 13 percent went on to complete college and, over a lifetime, these high school graduates earned half as much as their college counterparts, according to the Women in Higher Education (June 2009).


Fortunately, African American mothers, married or single, have more options than ever before. There are endowments that can be used as a starting point but be unafraid to go to your local college fair/expo or search for "Black College Dollars" sponsored by Sallie Mae.

  1. Maya Angelou/Vivian Baxter Scholarship

    • This scholarship, attributed to the Nobel prizewinning poet and author and her mother, is offered through the United Negro College Fund to students who generally demonstrate involvement in their community, a compelling story and unmet financial need. Applicants must be interested in attending a participating university in North Carolina. Full program details are available below. Young African American mothers--like Mrs. Angelou--are encouraged to apply pursuant to UNCF's mission of "build(ing) a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students..."

      United Negro College Fund
      8260 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive
      P.O. Box 10444
      Fairfax, VA 22031-8044
      800-331-2244
      uncf.org

    AAUW Scholarships

    • The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a professional organization that is committed to breaking through the "glass ceiling" present in the academic and workplace environment through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. AAUW offers fellowships, grants and scholarships, and most importantly, they offer real help for applicants trying to figure out which state or local scholarships they can apply for. AAUW does charge application fees that vary by the type of scholarship but the organization is a legitimate resource for African American mothers. Minority applicants and those re-entering the academic space, i.e., single or working moms, are encouraged to apply.

      AAUW
      Branch and State Local Scholarship Clearinghouse
      Dept. 60
      301 ACT Drive
      Iowa City, IA 52243-4030
      319-337-1716
      aauw.org

    Project Working Mom

    • This scholarship mainly targets moms interested in attending online universities. Project Working Mom 2010 has recently partnered with the Tyra Banks Show to "(make) dreams come true by allowing working parents to go back to school online to improve their lives--and the lives of their children--without going into debt." Minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

      EducationDynamics, LLC
      5 Marine View Plaza Suite 212
      Hoboken, NJ 07030
      elearners.com/projectworkingmom

    Scams

    • Beware of websites or services that offer "one stop shopping" in search of a scholarship. They often charge unnecessary or exorbitant fees for what you can get for free. Some reputable organizations do charge administrative fees but any organization charging fees should have some affiliation with the Department of Education as is the case with AAUW.

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