The Jeannette Rankin Foundation offers college grants to women over the age of 35 who are pursuing technical colleges, associate's or bachelor's degrees. In 2006, the JRF awarded 78 women grants for up to $2,000.
The foundation is named for the first woman to be elected to the United States Congress in 1916. It offered its first grant in 1978, in the amount of $500. Since then, more than 600 women have received educational grants.
Qualified students must be female and over 35 years of age. Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled in an accredited school pursuing a technical or vocational education, an associate's degree, or a first bachelor's degree.
For application information, see References 2.
The Association of American Indian Affairs offers a $1,500 Displaced Homemaker Scholarship, enabling men and women to achieve their educational goals in spite of family responsibilities. The scholarship is targeted for older students who put their education on hold to raise children.
Students can apply for this scholarship annually. Applications are accompanied by a student essay on family responsibilities and a monthly household budget. Funds awarded may be used for tuition, but may also be used for childcare, transportation and living expenses.
For more information on how to apply, see Reference 3.
The AARP Foundation's Women Scholarship Program provides funds to women over 40 seeking education or job skills training to help make them more financially secure as they age. Up to 100 scholarships are awarded annually, in amounts from $500 to $5,000.
Applicants in three categories are given priority: women raising the children of another family member; women in low-paying jobs with no career opportunities or missing retirement and/or health insurance; and women who have been out of the workforce for more than five years.
Scholarships may be used for any course of study at community colleges, technical schools and four-year universities. Part-time students are qualified to receive this scholarship.
Applicants must be over 40, U.S. citizens and demonstrate financial need.
For more information on how to apply, see Reference 4.
Federal and State grants for education are available to all students, regardless of age or gender.
Pell Grants can offer as much as $5,550 for the 2010 year, although most receive half that. They are available to low-income students seeking an undergraduate degree or a graduate degree in teaching.
You can obtain a form from your school's financial aid office. The earliest you can apply for a Pell Grant is January for the academic year starting in September.
State and federal governments have a number of grants specific to a course of study. The TEACH Grant (The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) Grant is for students who plan to teach in schools that serve low-income students. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online or at your school's financial aid office to apply.