You would agree that the life of a single mom is a tough one, especially when you have to take care of your family and chase your own dreams at the same time. Fortunately, there are grants that can help. These grants give you the money you might need for different to go back to school. In today’s topic, I am going to focus on the topic ‘get paid to go to school single mothers’. So, as a single mom, you still have the opportunity to get back to school without spending money.
It’s no secret that bringing up a child in the U.S. can get pretty expensive, and it’s often even harder for single moms. The good news is, there are special grants just for single moms to help out.
Get Paid to Go to School Single Mothers
Before we go over the list of grants, please remember to hit the like button and subscribe to our channel. That way, you won’t miss any new videos we post. Now, let’s check out some of the federal grants that are out there for single moms:
1. Apply for Federal Pell Grant 2024
The Federal Pell Grant is one of the biggest student aid programs here in the US. It gives up to $6,345 to single moms who want to go to college. This is free money – you don’t have to pay it back. If you want to apply for the Pell Grant, you need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before its deadline. Note that you have to fill out the FAFSA form every year while in school as a single mom and demonstrate financial need. Otherwise, you will no longer be eligible for federal student aid. This is where I applied for mine.
2. Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) 2024
We also have the Federal Work-Study Program for single parents who are students. It lets you earn money while you study part-time in the field you’re interested in. You can work up to 20 hours each week and get a monthly paycheck. This money helps with your education costs.
Now, let’s talk about the qualification. For you to qualify for this benefit program as a single mother, you must be a student pursuing a postsecondary educational degree or certificate. If you are working, your hourly wages must not be less than the federal minimum wage. The government even allows you to be employed by:
- The institution itself
- A federal, state, or local public agency
- A private nonprofit organization, or
- A private for-profit organization
Before you start the application, you have to pass the eligibility test here. Just make sure that you provide your correct information—the process is really simple.
3. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
As part of our topic today, ‘get paid to go to school single mothers’, the next method is the TANF. This is a program that offers short-term financial help and job opportunities for families with low incomes. There are two kinds of grants you can get: one is for the whole family, and the other is just for children. The family grants give you a small amount of money each month to buy important things like food, clothes, and a place to live.
These are only a few examples of the kinds of grants that single moms can apply for. There are also grants available for things like help with housing, emergency money, and food programs, among others.
4. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
So, we also have the FSEOG. I have a single mother friend who has actually applied and gotten this grant.
This grant is also based on financial need. It’s specifically for students who really need financial help. As a single mother, you might need more money than the average college student because your financial situation could be tougher. The grant offers anywhere from $100 to $4,000 a year. Yes, that’s a big range, but remember, the grant depends on how much you need. The greater your need, the more money you can get.
As part of the process of getting an FSEOG, you have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The college where you want to get paid to study will use that to determine how much financial need you have. You don’t have to repay FSEOG, except under certain circumstances.
5. Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation
The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation started in 2003. It celebrates the work of Patsy Takemoto, who was the first woman of color in the U.S. House of Representatives. This foundation helps women who are at least 17 years old and have at least one child. To apply, you need to have a low income that fits the foundation’s guidelines. To qualify, you must be:
- A woman, 17 years or older.
- A mother with children under 18.
- Working towards your first degree at a higher education level (like vocational, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral) and it should be a higher level than your current education.
- Enrolled in a degree/credential program at a school that respects all identities and backgrounds.
- A full-time student for the 2024-25 academic year at a non-profit, accredited U.S. institution. Use College Navigator to check your school: nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
- From a low-income family (earning under $20,000 for a family of 2; under $25,000 for 3; under $30,000 for 4).
The foundation gives out awards as much as $5,000. This money is given out in parts, each semester.
How to Go to School as a Single Mom Without Working
1. Pick a Suitable Grant You Qualify for
Different organizations have different rules for their scholarships and grants. Usually, you’ll need to show how much money you make and that you’re going to a recognized school. They might also ask for extra stuff like essays, your school grades, or letters recommending you.
Start by researching grants such as the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work-Study Program, Small Business Grants, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation. These grants are designed to support single mothers in their educational pursuits.
2. Make a List to Track Your Applications
Keep a list or use a spreadsheet for all the scholarships and grants you’re applying for to ‘get paid to go to school single mothers’. Write down their names, how much money they offer, how often they give it, where you are in the application process, and what else you need to apply. This helps you stay on top of things and makes sure you’re not wasting time.
3. Prepare the Requirements
Gather all required documents such as income statements, identification, and any other paperwork that these grants might require. This preparation is crucial for a smooth application process.
4. Complete the FAFSA
For grants like the Federal Pell Grant and FSEOG, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form assesses your financial need and is a key step in obtaining financial aid.
5. Apply for the Grants
Submit applications for the grants you’ve identified. Pay close attention to the deadlines and requirements for each grant. Some, like the Federal Work-Study Program, might require additional steps like finding a suitable part-time job.
Besides these grants, look for other resources such as local non-profits, community organizations, or educational institutions that offer support to single mothers pursuing education. They might provide financial assistance, childcare options, or educational guidance.
Useful Tips Along the Way
If you eventually get paid to go to school as a single mother, I have these 3 tips that will really help you through this journey.
- As a single mom, look for someone to look after your kids while you are at school. Check if your school offers childcare services or if any local programs can help. Some scholarships and grants might even cover childcare costs.
- Try to balance school and parenting, even though this is really tough. I recommend that you create a schedule that works for you and your kids. This might mean studying when they’re asleep or in childcare. It’s all about finding the right balance.
- Last, seek support networks. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This could be from family, friends, or other single parents. Many schools also have support groups for student parents. These networks can offer emotional support, advice, and practical help.
Focus on Getting a Federal Grant
One of the best things about these federal grants is that they can make it easier for you to get more education. Education is super important for growing personally and professionally, but it’s not cheap.
Lots of single moms find it hard to pay for further education. This is where these grants can really make a difference. They give you the financial support you need so you can learn more and grow, without worrying too much about the cost.
You might be asking yourself where to apply for these grants. It’s true, the process isn’t always easy, but remember, you can apply for as many grants as you like. The more you apply for, the better your chances are of getting more than one. So, look into all the different grants you can.
Conclusion—Get Paid to Go to School Single Mothers
Just because you’re a single mom, it doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams. Federal grants are there to support you in achieving your goals while you take care of your family. This is a chance you shouldn’t miss. Go ahead and apply for these grants now, and start moving toward a brighter future.
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