Single parents who have aspirations of becoming a teacher may qualify for grants through the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant Program (TEACH). TEACH was created through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act and passed by Congress in 2007. Applicants who qualify for funding may receive grants in amounts of up to $4,000. In order to qualify for funding, applicants must enroll in a baccalaureate program, majoring in education. In addition, recipients of TEACH funds must agree to teach in public or private elementary or secondary schools that serve low-income communities in a school that is designated to be in need of qualified teachers. Recipients must agree to work for these schools for a minimum of four out of eight calendar years. Interested applicants may apply directly through the U.S. Department of Education.
Low-income single parents may qualify for federally funded Pell Grants to help offset the costs of higher education. Pell Grants, which are offered to applicants based on economic need, are made available through the U.S. Department of Education. In order to qualify for Pell Grant funding, applicants are required to submit information such as household size and proof of income, which cannot exceed required limits. Grant amounts are determined based on factors such as family size, total household income, program and college selected and whether the applicant will be enrolled full or part time. Applicants may apply directly through the Department of Education to see if they qualify.
Another program that may help single parents with the costs of returning to school is the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). FSEOG is a federally funded grant that is targeted toward undergraduate college students who can demonstrate proof of economic need. FSEOG awards are based primarily on income and can vary anywhere between $100 and $4,000 per academic year. Applicants are required to present proof of income, in addition to documentation of household family size to be considered for FSEOG funds. Interested applicants may apply directly through the Department of Education to see if they qualify.