The federal government offers grant money for Wisconsin women over 50 looking to continue their education in the form of Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. Neither form of grant needs to be paid back, and women with low income or who have extensive financial obligations to their family are encouraged to apply.
Inquire about university-specific grants for the program you are interested in. Generally, most universities offer grants or scholarships for promising incoming students. For example, the University of Wisconsin at Madison offers a number of grants for incoming students, including Talent Incentive Program Grants, Wisconsin Lawton Minority Retention Grant, and a number of grants targeted towards Native American tribal members or their descendants of any age.
The State of Wisconsin Financial Aid Programs are administered by HEAB (Higher Educational Aims Board). A number of programs are offered, and each program is open to Wisconsin residents who hold a high school diploma or GED who are enrolled in a degree or certificate program at a school in the state of Wisconsin. One such program is the Wisconsin Higher Education Grant (WHEG), which awards an individual up to $3,000 per school year. Awards are based on financial need and can be awarded for a maximum of 10 semesters.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers a number of career development grants for women of all ages looking to further their education. Award amounts range from $2,000 to $12,000. To be eligible, a woman must already hold a bachelor's degree and be preparing to enroll in a second bachelor's degree program, a master's program, or a certificate program for technical growth. Ph.D. candidates are not eligible for this grant program. According to the program guidelines, "Special consideration is given to women of color [as well as] women pursuing their first advanced degree."