Raise the Nation is a non-profit organization that helps single mothers continue their education by awarding grants and scholarships to both single mothers and their children. The organization offers a student loan repayment grant, which is available to single mothers with outstanding student loan debt who perform volunteer work; a scholarship for continuing education, which is available to single mothers who would like to go to school or continue their education but don't have sufficient resources; and a scholarship for children of single mothers to help defray the child's college costs. Single mothers of any ethnicity are eligible to apply.
Raise the Nation
P.O. Box 8058
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87198
505-265-1201
raisethenation.org
Dr. Wynetta Frazier worked with children and single parents at the University of Illinois. The "Sister to Sister" scholarship is intended for "mature" (i.e., those over age 30), returning students who are African-American single mothers. Applicants must submit an essay and two letters of recommendation. Applicants must also be accepted to a college or postsecondary school before applying for the scholarship and submit proof of enrollment.
Scholarship Committee
National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc.
1809 E. 71st. St., Suite 205
Chicago, IL 60649
773-667-7061
nhbwinc.com
In addition to private scholarships and grants, federal and state governments offer a host of different grants for which African-American single mothers may qualify. Some states, such as Arkansas, offer scholarships targeted directly toward single parents. Many more have established scholarship programs that might cover some African-American single mothers, such as programs for racial minorities. All federal government aid is need-based and applied for via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available online at fafsa.ed.gov. African-American single mothers might be eligible for Pell Grants or Federal Supplemental Opportunity Educational Grants, depending on their level of financial need.