A college grant or scholarship is money given to a student to assist her in paying for tuition and textbooks. Federal, state and non-profit organizations award grants that can be used at any institution, and some colleges provide grants to be used at their own school.
The main types of grants are academic, needs-based, and minority. Academic grants are given to students who have excelled in their grades or sports. Needs-based grants are given to students who are from low-income backgrounds. Minority grants are given to students who fall into particular categories, such as expecting mothers, single mothers, people with disabilities, or cultural, religious and ethnic groups.
Unlike student loans, grant money never has to be repaid and does not burden you with debt. Therefore, you should make it a priority to apply for as many grants as possible in order to increase your chances of getting assistance.
Many foundations step in to help expecting mothers with financial aid. Raise the Nation is a leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping expecting and single mothers. The organization provides grant money as well as a loan repayment program to help women pay off their college debt. Qualified applicants must have a record of community service and volunteerism.
The Jeanette Rankin Foundation has awarded grants to women who are 35 years old or older since 1978. During this time, the foundation has helped over 500 expecting and single mothers achieve their academic goals. Applications are available November through February from the foundation's website.
The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation for Low-Income Women and Children has been giving grants to women since 2003. This scholarship program offers financial help to low-income expecting mothers, single mothers and their children.
Expecting mothers who meet income requirements may be eligible for federal aid. Among the federal programs is the Pell Grant, which awarded grants ranging from $400 to more than $5,000 for the 2009-2010 academic year. Another program is the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, which is earmarked for individuals with the greatest financial need. To apply for federal aid, you must first file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Many states offer expecting mothers scholarship assistance to attend college. Application procedures and requirements vary. Check your state's website for higher education resources, or use the U.S. Department of Education's website to guide you to information on financial aid in your state.
Grants for expecting mothers are also offered by colleges and universities. A school's financial aid office can assist you with their grant applications. They may also suggest other scholarship foundations that can best serve your financial needs.
If you are working, don't overlook your employer as a possible source of scholarship money, especially if further education can increase your value as an employee.
In your search for grants, watch out for scams, especially from businesses that request your Social Security number or bank and credit card account numbers. Submit personal information only to legitimate government, not-for-profit organizations, and college websites.