One scholarship option available to mothers is the Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund. Since its inception in 1978, the program has given awards to more than 500 women. To qualify, applicants must be 35 years of age or older, low-income and pursuing a degree, whether their first bachelor's, an associate's or technical training. Those interested in applying must fill out an application, available on the program's website, as well as include letters of recommendation and a personal statement. In 2009, more than 50 scholarships were awarded.
Awarded by the Association on American Indian Affairs, the Displaced Homemaker Scholarships provide monetary support to those who were forced to abandon their own educational and professional goals to care for their family. The scholarship is especially targeted to those who unforeseen circumstances forced them to forgo their educations to care for their children. To apply, interested people must contact the organization's scholarship representative directly, and then submit a personal essay and monthly budget. Awards in the amount of $1500 are given out and can be applied for on a yearly basis for eligible students.
Another option for mothers is the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education. The program, funded through P.E.O. International (Philanthropic Educational Organization), provides grants up to $3,000 to women who were unable to pursue the higher education they always wanted and are now looking to explore their educational life in adulthood. Applications for this award are made available through P.E.O. chapters and the funds that are given out are intended to pay for expenses essential to their education such as tuition, books, childcare and supplies.