Women over 40 years have higher education award options.
Women over 40 years of age who contemplate a return to school to resume their interrupted studies or to pursue a higher education degree have choices in grant assistance. Grants are available subject to specific criteria that apply to various awards. These grants come from a number of sponsors that include professional associations, educational organizations and foundations.
American Association of University Women
Career Development Grants provided by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) give women who have a bachelor's degree the opportunity to pursue graduate studies. These grants open doors to a master's degree and to career advancement or career change or reentry to the workforce. These awards are for studies at accredited colleges, universities or technical schools in the U.S. Women of color and women pursuing their first advanced degree or credentials in nontraditional fields receive preferential consideration. As of 2011, the value of the award was between $2,000 and $12,000.
Philanthropic Educational Organization
The Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Program for Continuing Education allows students to return to higher education after being away for a minimum period of 24 consecutive months. Going back to school equips these students with job skills that enhance their career prospects and quality of life. The award covers tuition, books, transportation and childcare. Sponsorship by a P.E.O. chapter is a requirement. Applicants must be citizens of and study in the United States or Canada, and be within 24 months of achieving an educational goal. As of 2011, the maximum grant value was $3,000 for this one-time-only award.
Jeannette Rankin Foundation
Applicants to the Jeannette Rankin Foundation Women's Scholarship Fund must be mature, low-income women of at least 35 years of age. They must also be U.S. citizens, and accepted to or enrolled in an accredited school to pursue a technical or vocational education, or an associate's or first bachelor's degree. The Foundation goes by estimated household income guidelines in offering this award, also taking into account the applicant's goals and plans for achieving them, life challenges and financial need.
Association for Women in Science
The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) provides a range of awards that enable women to complete their studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Satter Award is specifically for doctoral students returning to school after an absence of three or more years due to family obligations. Applicants must submit a resume, research plan, certification of eligibility and two letters of reference. Undergraduate and pre-doctoral applicants must be American citizens and enrolled in a STEM field at a U.S. college or university. They must also be planning a science-based future in research or teaching in the United States.
Bernard Osher Foundation
The Bernard Osher Foundation provides the Osher Reentry Scholarship Program. Undergraduate students are eligible for this award when they return for part- or full-time studies after an interruption of at least five years. Ideally this award targets women between 25 and 50 years. Financial need, academic promise and resolve to obtain a degree are scholarship requirements for this tuition award. The Foundation also offers reentry students access to services like career counseling, familiarization with new information technology and balancing the needs of family and work. As of 2011, grants of up to $50,000 per year with the possibility of renewal for a second or third year or for an endowment valued at $1 million were available to colleges and universities through the foundation.
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