Twenty-six years ago my graduate education was interrupted. I had taken six classes at two different schools and had a 4.0 GPA. I was married and working as an editor. My goal? To earn a master’s in English and then library science and work as a college librarian.
But my son wanted to be born. I soon fell in love with him–and, unfortunately, never completed my graduate education.
That’s probably why I immediately perked up when a colleague sent me information on scholarships for women over 40. A few acknowledge that women’s education tends to get interrupted by the demands of family life, and so provide funding for women who, now older and freer, can resume their education.
Here are three scholarships from the website Scholarships & Grants that you (and I) may want to explore:
- The AAUW Career Development Grants Program
Women looking to make a career change, advance their careers or re-enter the workforce may be eligible for the AAUW Career Development Grants Program. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree that is not honorary and be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. They must enter a field of study that differs from their original bachelor’s degree and plan to participate in courses for career advancement, a certification program, or a professional degree. Rewards of $2,000 to $12,000 are used to cover tuition, supplies, books, fees, local transportation, and childcare. Deadline is Dec. 15. To find out more, visit http://www.AAUW.org/what-we-do/educational-funding-and-awards/career-development-grants/
- The Talbots Scholarship Program
Women from 20 to 60 years of age residing in the United States or Canada can apply for the Talbots Scholarship Program. To qualify, candidates must have earned a GED or high school diploma on or before September 2001. They also must be enrolled at an undergraduate program in an accredited college. Applicants need to have a minimum of 24 credit hours left to complete their undergraduate program. Scholarships are from $10,000 to $30,000 along with a Talbots gift card and a resume eKit. Deadline is Jan. 20. To get more details, check out Talbots.com/scholarship.
- Sophie Greenstadt Scholarship for Mid-Life Women
Residents or those attending school in Greater Los Angeles who are 35 or older may qualify for the Sophie Greenstadt Scholarship for Mid-Life Women. The scholarship is for those in Orange and Venture Counties. It is sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women — Los Angeles. Applicants can be from freshmen to seniors, single or married, with or without dependent children. The award is up to $1,000. Applicants must submit essays about their goals and how they intend to achieve them, as well as show financial need. To learn more call (323) 852-8515, or visit ncjwla.org/our-programs/scholarship-program/.
To learn more, Google “scholarships for women over 40.†See you in class!