If you are a homemaker over 40, you would be delighted to know that certain scholarships are available especially for women like you, who wish to pursue higher education and add more value to yourself.
Quite often, women have to discontinue their education owing to several reasons. Sometimes an early marriage forces them to drop out of high school or college and concentrate upon household responsibilities. They often spend their learning years in bringing up their kids and attending to various such responsibilities. However, it is not until their children grow up and become independent that these women realize or get the time to pursue higher education.
Low qualification can deter you from getting a good full-time job. Hence, it is a must that you complete formal education in the field of your interest either for career purpose or for personality development. Many women think that 40 is too late to start learning afresh, while others are deterred due to financial woes. However, there are multiple scholarships and grants particularly for women over the age of 40.
Scholarships
These scholarships are offered through Federal Government grants as well as various other public and private organizations. Some charity organizations also offer scholarships for women belonging to particular ethnicity or social class. These are mainly targeted at women who wish to pursue education so as to join the workforce after a gap of many years. Grants are also available to women who wish to excel in a field of their interest for career or personal purposes. However, most of these scholarship programs have certain eligibility criterion which the applicants would have to fulfill.
Selected Professions Fellowships
The scholarship through this program is sponsored by American Association for University Women (AAUW). Scholarships are offered for graduate as well as postgraduate programs to the women of African-American origin. The scholarship grants range from USD 5000 to USD 18,000. However, the scholarship is applicable for only certain study programs like business, law, and medicine.
Society of Women Engineers
Women who are interested in studying engineering can benefit from this scholarship program offered by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Financial assistance is also provided for women who wish to study computer science. These programs enable women to become better professionals.
AARP Foundation Scholarships
AARP Foundation offers scholarships to women belonging to lower or moderate income groups. Every year AARP offers thousands of scholarships which help women to become financially independent. However, AARP has some strict eligibility criteria which the applicants are expected to fulfill.
Application Process
The Internet is the best place to search for various scholarship programs. You can visit the official websites of colleges and universities in your locality and check if they have any special college scholarships. You may also ring their offices or drop personally to inquire about financial assistance . If you find such a program, carefully check the eligibility criteria. Also, inquire about the maximum amount that can be offered as a scholarship.
Many scholarships require you to enroll for an education program within 6 months of the declaration date. These scholarships also make it mandatory for its beneficiaries to complete the program until culmination. Some scholarship programs also demand that you attend a full-time course to become eligible for the scholarship.
The application form can be submitted online or sent by mail. You will be required to fill out basic information such as name, address, age along with your educational credentials. Some organizations may ask you to write a short essay or statement of purpose. Enclose the required documents with the application form. The decision regarding the grant of scholarship is entirely based upon the authorities of the respective organizations. Full scholarships can be offered to a few candidates while other eligible candidates may earn partial scholarships. However, the decision is based on the qualification and aptitude of the candidates.
Thus, if you are interested in continuing education do not let your financial worries deter you from pursuing it. Hunt for scholarships and do everything you can to bag one. After all, it’s never too late to learn something new.