Raise the Nation, a nonprofit organization that works to improve the lives of all citizens throughout the United States, offers grants to single mothers who wish to advance their education to better their lives and those of their children. The organization focuses on the philosophy that single mothers who are more highly educated are also likely to be more proactive in the lives of their children, in their communities and in regards to global and political issues. Funds distributed through Raise the Nation come from private and other federal programs, and they are available to those who present proof of need and who meet qualifying economic criteria.
Single mothers throughout the United States may qualify for federally funded Pell Grants, which are offered through the U.S. Department of Education. These need-based grants are issued in amounts based on qualifying economic criteria, such as family size, estimated monthly living expenses and course selection. Pell grants are available toward the cost of undergraduate and certain post-baccalaureate degrees. Grant amounts are up to, but not exceeding $5,550 as of 2010. In addition to income and program selection, award amounts are based on factors such as enrollment status, choice of college or university, and length of program. Interested applicants may apply directly through the U.S. Department of Education for approval.
Single mothers who are interested in teaching may benefit from the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant Program (TEACH), which was created through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 by Congress. The TEACH program offers grants of up to $4,000. To qualify for TEACH grant funds, applicants must be enrolled in a baccalaureate program with a major in education. They must also agree to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves children in a primarily low-income area. In addition, applicants must agree to work full-time in a school that is determined to be highly in need of qualified teachers for at least four out of eight academic calendar years. Interested applicants may apply directly through the U.S. Department of Education for approval and funding.