The AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program offers scholarship money to women over the age of 40 who seek educational opportunities to gain skills and support themselves and their families. Recipients of the scholarship money must enroll in an accredited school or program within the United States at least 6 months after being awarded a scholarship. Up to 100 scholarships are awarded each year. To apply:
AARP Foundation
601 E Street NW
Washington, DC 20049
888-OUR-AARP
aarpfoundationwlc.org
Women from low-to-moderate income levels are encouraged to apply and must demonstrate financial need. Applicants must be over the age of 40 and cannot use the scholarship funds for graduate degrees. Only undergraduate and technical programs are eligible. The scholarship is geared towards women who are unemployed or attempting to return to the workforce after being absent for several years, as well as women who are raising their own children or the children of other family members.
The AARP Foundation funds the scholarships with assistance from Wal-Mart and the Women's Leadership Circle Cabinet. Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the cost of the educational program and degree of financial need of the scholarship recipient(s). Winners are determined through an application process by an independent committee and are contacted by email or letter. The funds are made payable to the educational institution in the recipients' name only. Funds can be used to pay for books, fees and tuition.