Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. (link in Resources). By filling out a FAFSA, you will be able to determine whether or not you are eligible for a Pell grant, financial aid that does not have to be repaid, from the federal government. As an individual with dependents and a lower income, you will have a better chance of receiving grant money. Even if you are not eligible for any grants, you might still receive offers of loans and work-study programs by filling out a FAFSA.
Speak to a high school counselor or a college financial aid office member to find out more information about scholarship programs that you might qualify for as a mother, such as the Women’s Independence Scholarship Program or the Patsy Takemoto Foundation. In addition to exposing you to scholarships that you might be eligible for based on your circumstances, these resources are often able to assist you in filling out your applications for financial assistance.
Search online for scholarship sites that will allow you to narrow down your hunt for financial aid based on your status as a mother and a woman. You can also do a direct search for scholarships, based on your criteria, using your favorite search engine.
Visit your local library and skim the various reference books that contain lists of grants and scholarships, such as the "Directory of Financial Aids for Women" or "The College Blue Book." A quick library catalog search or an inquiry to the librarian will assist you in finding the proper resources.
Contact organizations in your community to inquire about scholarship opportunities. Churches and non-profit organizations, and even private organizations and citizens, often offer scholarships for those in difficult circumstances or minorities. Your local chapter of Soroptimist is one volunteer organization that offers scholarships to women who have experienced setbacks in their education. The chapter-based Elks Lodge also offers scholarships to students who have excelled in school, while facing challenging personal circumstances, such as teenage motherhood and poverty.