The Federal Pell Grant helps people meet their educational goals. The amount you qualify for depends on your income. You may get as much as $5,340. If the amount you receive exceeds your tuition, you can use the rest for living expenses. The Pell Grant is a prerequisite if you want to apply for further assistance.
PEO, or Philanthropic Educational Organization, is made of up of women who have gained an education and wish to help others do the same. A recipient is allowed a one-time grant of $2,000 and she must be within two years of reaching her educational goals. You can access its website to find a local chapter. Although they don't help single mothers exclusively, they do give them priority status.
Jeannette Rankin was the first woman elected to Congress and served under Franklin D. Roosevelt. She was a well known activist for women's rights and she believed in the value of education. Her passion was to help as many single women as possible gain schooling and overcome poverty. The application for this grant is available after Nov. 1 every year and can be downloaded from a website.
Check with your local hospitals. They usually offer scholarships to people who are willing to come and work for them. Not only do you receive help with your education, but you're guaranteed a job. If you choose to work in this setting, the hospital will usually assist you in furthering your education.
Visit the financial officer at your school. There are usually lists of scholarships available. Many of them will be tailored for specific majors such as nursing.
Grants and scholarships are the best way to pay for your education because they don't have to be paid back. Keep in mind that there will be deadlines to meet and paperwork to be submitted. Have your financial information, essays, recommendations and applications in a folder and keep it handy. Soon you'll be enjoying the benefits of your hard earned education.