Federal Grants for Single Mothers
Single mothers looking for financial help for their college expenses may find federal grants for single mothers truly a blessing. First, grants are a form of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. Second, it would be a way for them to finish college and eventually achieve financial freedom.
Federal Grants for Single Mothers that are Based on Needs:
1. Federal Pell – a need-based grant available to undergraduate students and single moms who wish to return to school. All federal grants for single mothers and most private grants require a federal Pell eligibility as a basis for qualification. Pell grant recipients may receive a financial aid package from $400 to $5,000. The actual amount that a single mom can get would depend on her family income, her status as a student (whether she’s a part or full-time student), and the total costs it would take for her to attend college.
2. FSEO Grant – like many federal grants for single mothers, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant is open to students demonstrating the most need for financial assistance. This is referred as “supplemental” because it is to be used to supplement other government grants that she may be receiving.
3. TEACH Grant – also known as the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education grant program. It aims to provide financial assistance to single mothers who are interested in a teaching career. This grant may be a bit different from the other federal grants for single mothers because applicants should agree to serve and teach in an elementary or secondary school after graduation.
Federal Grants for Single Mothers that are Based on Merits:
1. National Smart (National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent) Grant – is a program designed to provide federal student aid to 3rd and 4th year college students. These students should be enrolled full-time and taking up major courses in engineering, technology, the sciences, and mathematics.
2. Academic Competitiveness Grant or popularly called ACG – this is offered to first and second year students; also non-traditional students like single mothers. This program was conceived to support single moms who showed outstanding academic performance in high school; are currently pursuing major studies in high-need fields. High-need courses may include Bilingual and English Language acquisition, Reading, Special Education and other subjects considered high-need by the Department of Education.
Eligibility Requirements
1. Applicants of federal grants for single mothers must be citizens of the United States
2. They must be undergraduate students and show proof of financial need
3. Must comply with the required grade point average (GPA) and fulfill other necessary academic requirements
4. Must keep a satisfactory academic record once enrolled
5. Must obtain a valid Social security number (a requirement for FAFSA filing)
How To Apply for a Federal Grant
When applying for federal grants for single mothers, it is important to file applications as early as possible.
1. Fill out a FAFSA (Federal Student Aid) form.
1.1 Completion and submission of the FAFSA can be done online
1.2 Single mothers applying for grants may download a FAFSA form from the government website and submit at fafsa.gov
1.3 Ask for a paper application, fill in the necessary information, and send by mail
2. Make sure to spare some time to study the FAFSA. Get all required documents and information ready: Social security number, school records, driver’s license, and such.
3. Resolve to submit the FAFSA after January 1 and not later than June 30. Delayed and incomplete submission will only mean delayed help.
Nothing should be left to chance when taking advantage of federal grants for single mothers. It is the best chance for single moms to go back to school and earn a degree. They should remain focused on their search for grants, keeping in mind, always, that a college education may be the key that will unlock a better future for them and their children.
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For more related & informative article you might be interested in reading the following article:
Federal Grants for Single Mothers – Sources of Financial Aid