Women have indeed made great strides in achieving educational equality. However, many women are still unable to finish their degrees due to financial difficulties or family obligations. For these women, grants represent an opportunity for a college degree and greater financial security.
The federal government offers different types of educational grants, many of which are aimed at non-traditional students, including women who wish to return to college. The search for these grants begins by visiting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Private foundations and non-profit organizations are also particularly rich sources for women seeking financial aid for college. Examples include: the Jeanette Rankin Foundation, which offers $2,000 grants to low-income women who are 35 or older; the Women's Independence Scholarship program, which specializes in grants for women who have been victims of abuse; and The Business and Professional Women's Association, which focuses on funds for disadvantaged and minority women who are re-entering college.
Other resources include universities and associations directly connected to specific fields of study, such as the National Black Nurses Association and the American Society of Women Accountants. A little research will turn up many more such programs. And don't forget to talk to the financial aid department at the university or college you are considering---they often have information not published on their website.
Grants that enable women to earn their degrees offer many benefits not only for the individual women but for society as a whole. A report published by the Institute for Higher Education Policy cited the following advantages of obtaining a college education: "higher levels of saving, increased personal/professional mobility, improved quality of life for offspring, better consumer decision making, and more hobbies and leisure activities" (cited in Porter, 2002).
There are two common misconceptions about grants: 1) they are only for people in financial need; and 2) they are only for students just graduating from high school. The fact is that grants are available for women of all ages and incomes who wish to return to college. Some grants target women in specific groups, such as working moms, single mothers, lesbians, or women who wish to pursue a specific career.
Before applying for any grant, carefully follow all the directions, supply the required paperwork and meet every deadline. Failing to meet any of the criteria could disqualify you for the grant.