College Scholarships, an online database catering to students who seek scholarships and grants, claims that despite the fact that many women are able to complete undergraduate degrees nowadays, they are underrepresented in higher education and industry-specific careers. What encourages women to pursue careers in fields of study that were once considered men’s turf are the availability of college grants to assist them with their college expenses.
Pennsylvania State Grant
Women residents of Pennsylvania may get in touch with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) regarding the Pennsylvania State Grant Program which provides grant awards to eligible residents of the state who are in need of college financial aid.
Like in most state-funded grants, you need to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will be the basis of your financial need. This will also serve as your Pennsylvania State Grant application form.
To be eligible, you must be a resident of Pennsylvania for at least 12 consecutive months and a graduate of an approved high school. Both men and women can apply for the grant as long you are attending a PHEAA-accredited school. Also, you must be enrolled for at least six undergraduate credits in a two-year degree program or longer.
Student Loan Repayment Grant
Single mothers who are having a hard time paying their student loan debts and are into volunteer work may apply for Raise the Nation’s Student Loan Repayment Grant.
Pennsylvania women who volunteer in the community for an average of eight hours per month for a certain period of time, depending on the amount of the student loan debt, are eligible. Those who are in the helping or teaching profession are already considered women contributors to the community so they need not get into volunteer work to be considered for the grant.
Raise the Nation selects recipients twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring.
Career Development Grant
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) awards Career Development Grants to U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents who hold bachelor’s degree and are interested in changing careers, enhancing opportunities or reentering the work force.
Special considerations are given to women of ethnic minority and women who are pursuing a degree in nontraditional fields. The grant may pay for tuition and other fees, books, supplies, transportation and other college expenses.
AAUW aims to encourage women to pursue post-college education for better career or employment opportunities.
Sources
College Scholarships: Grant Opportunities for Women
PHEAA: Pennsylvania State Grant Program FAQ
Raise the Nation: Grants and Scholarships
AAUW: Career Development Grant Recipients
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