The dollar value of the Pell Grant, the best-known federal educational grant, is based on the student's financial need and offers up to $5,550 (for 2010-2011) to eligible applicants. A student must qualify for a Pell Grant before being accepted for other federal grants, according to educationgrant.com.
The merit-based Academic Competitive Grant is available to first- and second-year college students based on academic performance in high school. It pays first-year students up to $750 and second-year students up to $1,300. The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant is for students with the greatest financial need and awards up to $4,000. Depending on your major, the National SMART (Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent) Grant and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, each offering up to $4,000 a year, are two to consider.
Every state offers educational grants, as does every college and university. Look on your state's website for information about grants. Educationgrant.com mentions New York State’s Tuition Assistance Program, Kansas Comprehensive Grants and New Mexico Student Incentive Grant awards. Do the same for schools you are considering. Since single mothers make up a substantial segment of the college student population today, many schools have grants reserved for them. The school is probably your best bet for grant money after the federal grant programs, reports educationgrant.com.
Another source of grant money is the professional association serving the career you are considering. For example, Future Farmers of America, the National Society of Accountants and the Culinary Trust award scholarships and grants yearly to students training for agricultural, accounting and food-related professions, respectively. If you are already employed in the industry you are training for, check on grants and tuition reimbursement programs from your company if your studies will make you a more valuable employee.