As a greater number of single parents are returning to higher education to support their career goals and are comprising a growing segment of the college student body, more organizations than ever before are offering scholarships for single parents. Since juggling family obligations, work schedules, and schoolwork presents countless unique obstacles to overcome, there are various forms of financial aid that are reserved for non-traditional working adult parents. In addition to scholarships for single dads and scholarships for single moms, there is also funding available to support children who come from single parent households. In alphabetical order, the following is the first half (A-J) of scholarships that grant tuition assistance for single parents to reach academic success.
1. AAMN Scholarships
Deadline: July 1st
Each year, the American Assembly for Men in Nursing (AAMN) sponsors six $500 scholarships for undergraduate male nursing students and two $100 scholarships to graduate male nursing students who are current members of the association. As an excellent scholarship for single dads interested in a nursing career, eligible candidates must be enrolled in the last year of an accredited academic program leading to NCLEX-RN certification and submit an original essay detailing how they have contributed to the profession of nursing as a male nurse.
Contact
AAMN Scholarships
6700 Oporto-Madrid Blvd.
P.O. Box 130220
Birmingham, AL 35213
(205) 956-0146
aamn@aamn.org
2. Agnes Drexler Kujawa Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: February 15th
At the University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh, the Agnes Drexler Kujawa Memorial Scholarship provides annual funding of up to $1,000 to single mothers who are trying to obtain a college degree with the goal of improving their lives and the lives of their children. Eligible applicants for the scholarship must have been accepted for admission at the university, be a legally single mother with legal physical custody of one or more minor children, be registered for at least six credits, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Contact
Agnes Drexler Kujawa Memorial Scholarship
800 Algoma Blvd.
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 424-3377
fao@uwosh.edu
3. Alkek Endowed Scholarship for Single Parents
Deadline: April 15th
Ranging in value from $300 to $1,000 a semester, the Alkek Endowed Scholarship for Single Parents is offered for both single mothers and fathers who are enrolled in at least six hours at the University of Houston at Victoria. As the funding is only granted to single parents who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate clear financial need, applicants must submit a Financial Aid and Scholarship application to be considered for the renewable scholarship.
Contact
Alkek Endowed Scholarship for Single Parents
3007 North Ben Wilson
Victoria, TX 77901
(361) 570-4848
finaid@uhv.edu
4. Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April, July, and December 15th
The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund is designed to provide supplemental financial assistance to those single mothers and fathers living in Arkansas who are pursuing a course of instruction that will improve their income potential. In order to be eligible for the renewable scholarship of $750 each semester, candidates must be considered economically disadvantaged, have custodial care of at least one child under 18, and have not previously earned a degree from a four-year higher education institution.
Contact
Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund
614 East Emma Ave. Suite 119
Springdale, AR 72764
(479) 927-1402
rhill@aspsf.org
5. Assistance League of the Triangle Area Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 1st
As a non-profit volunteer organization that assists individuals in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina in Wake, Durham, and Orange countries through financial support, the Assistance League awards scholarships to single working mothers who are currently attending a postsecondary two or four-year institution within the state. Eligible candidates for the scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 must submit an official high school or college transcript, copy of the FAFSA form, proof of permanent resident status, two reference letters, and a 500-word essay on educational objectives.
Contact
Assistance League of the Triangle Area Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 98477
Raleigh, NC 27624
(919) 875-8901
scholarship@altriangle.org
6. Barbara Thomas Enterprises Inc. Graduate Scholarship
Deadline:
Granted through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Foundation, the Barbara Thomas Enterprises Inc. Graduate Scholarship provides financial assistance to single parents who are currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Health Information Management (HIM) or Health Information Technology (HIT) from an accredited institution. In order to be eligible for the $5,000 scholarship, applicants must be credentialed professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree and are active members within the AHIMA.
Contact
Barbara Thomas Enterprises Inc. Graduate Scholarship
233 North Michigan Ave. 21st Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 233-1100
info@ahimafoundation.org
7. Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship
Deadline: June 13th
Established by the Rhode Island Foundation in 1990 in recognition of Governor Bruce Sundlun and his wife Marjorie for their financial commitment to the state’s non-profit sector, this $1,000 scholarship is designed to assist single parents in the pursuit of higher education beyond high school. Eligible male or female candidates must be legal state residents, currently be enrolled in an accredited Rhode Island institution, demonstrate financial need for public assistance, and be completing their first degree or certificate program.
Contact
Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship
One Union Station
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 274-4564
dkertzner@rifoundation.org
8. Christopher Newport Single Parent Scholarship
Deadline: Varies
As a scholarship for single parents to provide financial assistance for achieving higher education dreams at Christopher Newport University with a dependent child or children, the Single Parent Scholarship is granted in varying amounts depending on the earnings of the endowment, but will not exceed tuition fees. Eligible candidates for this award must demonstrate financial need, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, have earned at least 30 credit hours at the university, and have achieved junior or senior level status.
Contact
Christopher Newport Single Parent Scholarship
One University Place
Newport News, VA 23606
(757) 594-7170
finaid@cnu.edu
9. Coplan Donohue Single Parent Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
At Minnesota State University Mankato, the Coplan Donohue Single Parent Scholarship is awarded for $2,000 annually to undergraduate or graduate non-traditional students who are single mothers or fathers with primary custody of their children. Designed for students who excel academically and are great parents, eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, have completed at least 30 semester credits, be enrolled on a full-time basis, and demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Contact
Coplan Donohue Single Parent Scholarship
218 Centennial Student Union
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 389-1866
campushub@mnsu.edu
10. Crane Fund for Widows and Children Scholarships
Deadline: April 1st
The Crane Fund for Widows and Children (CFWC) provides direct financial assistance to the underserved populations in the communities where Crane Co. operates by offering this $500 scholarship to both wives and children of men who cannot provide an educational opportunity for their families. While the scholarship is intended for widows and children of men who were left without adequate means of support by their death, deserving families of men who are unable to financially support them due to age or other disabilities are also eligible.
Contact
Crane Fund for Widows and Children Scholarships
100 First Stamford Place
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 363-7300
cfwc@craneco.com
11. Dan Roulier Single Parent Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
Presented annually for up to two students at Springfield Technical Community College in the amount of $500 each, the Dan Roulier Single Parent Scholarship is offered to male or female single parents who have a dependent child or children under the age of 18. Offered to both day or SCE students with a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher, all eligible candidates are asked to submit a completed application with an original essay that describes their educational experience and how the scholarship could benefit their family situation.
Contact
Dan Roulier Single Parent Scholarship
Student Activities Office 1st Floor
One Armory Square
Springfield, MA 01102
(413) 755-4301
admissions@stcc.edu
12. Dominion Scholarship for Single Heads of Households
Deadline: July 8th
Sponsored by Dominion Peoples, the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) provides the Scholarship for Single Heads of Households to male and female students who have single custodial care of their children and are enrolled at one of the college’s four campuses. In order to receive the $1,000 scholarship to cover the costs for tuition and/or textbooks, candidates must be currently registered for credit classes, be a single head of household with primary custody, and demonstrate unmet financial need.
Contact
Dominion Scholarship for Single Heads of Households
Byers Hall Room 102
808 Ridge Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 237-2589
AlleghenyCampusFinancialAid@ccac.edu
13. Downer-Bennett Scholarship
Deadline: May 15th
For non-traditional undergraduate students at the Gallup campus of the University of New Mexico, the Downer-Bennett Scholarship is granted to single parents with primary custodial care over one or more dependent children who are enrolled on a full-time basis in one of the university’s degree programs to improve income earnings. Along with the completed application, candidates are required to supply a comprehensive personal statement expressing educational goals or motivation, complete list of extra-curricular activities or community service experiences, and documentation demonstrating financial need.
Contact
Downer-Bennett Scholarship
1155 University Blvd. Southeast
Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 277-8900
scholarships@unm.edu
14. Electrical Wholesale Supply Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
Sponsored by a donation from Electrical Wholesale Supply (EWS) in Salt Lake City, the Utah Valley State University grants the Electrical Wholesale Supply Scholarship to single fathers and mothers with dependent children who are currently enrolled at the university on a full-time basis. Not offered to recent high school graduates or incoming freshmen, eligible applicants must have completed a minimum of 30 semester credits at UVU, demonstrate financial need, and have achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Contact
Electrical Wholesale Supply Scholarship
800 West University Parkway
Orem, UT 84058
(801) 863-4636
uvstart@uvu.edu
15. Ellen M. Cherry-Delawder Endowment Scholarship
Deadline: January 31st
Available to students enrolled full-time at Howard Community College, the Ellen M. Cherry-Delawder Endowment Scholarship is awarded to female students with dependent children who have attained a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher while pursuing studies in business or a closely related field. In order to be eligible for the scholarship for single mothers, applicants must provide a copy of a completed FAFSA form with the completed application and a 500-word essay defining their personal career and/or academic goals.
Contact
Ellen M. Cherry-Delawder Endowment Scholarship
10901 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, MD 21044
(443) 518-1200
adm-adv@howardcc.edu
https://howardcc.academicworks.com/opportunities/39
16. Everitt Companies Single Mother Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Each year, the Front Range Community College Foundation grants the Everitt Companies Single Mother Scholarship to assist single mothers who are attending the school to obtain job skills that are necessary for securing a better job and providing more monetary resources for her dependent children. To receive one scholarship for the amount of $2,000 split between the fall and spring semesters, eligible candidates must be attending the Larimer campus, be enrolled in 12 or more credits, have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, be pursuing a certificate or degree program, and demonstrate financial need in essay and FAFSA score.
Contact
Everitt Companies Single Mother Scholarship
4616 South Shields St.
Fort Collins, CO 80526
(970) 204-8376
Sherry.Gaines@frontrange.edu
17. Frances M. Dunn Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology offers the Frances M. Dunn Memorial Scholarship with a minimum award value of $500 each year to deserving non-traditional single mothers who are enrolled as sophomores, juniors, or seniors in the Interdisciplinary Sciences program on-campus. Candidates who have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and who wish to apply for the scholarship are welcome to submit a letter of application along with an up-to-date resume of career experience.
Contact
Frances M. Dunn Memorial Scholarship
306 East Saint Joseph St. Suite 200
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-2436
foundation@sdsmt.edu
18. Frank Kennedy Vernoy Scholarship
Deadline: April 15th
At Westminster College in Utah, the Frank Kennedy Vernoy Scholarships is awarded to non-traditional single father or mother students who demonstrate financial need for support to continue working towards a degree. In order to be eligible for the renewable $1,000 scholarship, single parents must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and be currently enrolled at least half-time with six or more credits.
Contact
Frank Kennedy Vernoy Scholarship
1840 South 1300 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84105
(801) 484-7651
finaid@westminstercollege.edu
19. Gwen-Marie Thomas “My Heroine” Award
Deadline: March 3rd
As a $500 scholarship, the West Los Angeles College grants the Gwen-Marie Thomas “My Heroine” Award to single male or female parents who are enrolled in a minimum of six semester units and are employed a minimum of 20 hours per week to provide for their dependent child or children under the age of 18. Eligible candidates for the award must demonstrate financial need, be a first generation college student, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and compose a 500-word personal statement.
Contact
Gwen-Marie Thomas “My Heroine” Award
9000 Overland Avenue
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 287-4532
thompslj@wlac.edu
20. Hassel Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
Established by the Community College of Philadelphia to provide funding for single mothers entering non-traditional career programs at the college, the Hassel Foundation Scholarship for $1,000 is granted to female heads of households who are enrolled in a degree or certificate program as a part-time or full-time student. For consideration, applicants are required to submit a 100-word written statement describing the reasons why they are seeking entry into a non-traditional career with specific career goals.
Contact
Hassel Foundation Scholarship
1700 Spring Garden St.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 496-6182
financialaid@ccp.edu
21. Helen Shure Nursing Scholarship
Deadline: February 15th
In honor of a caring and compassionate nurse, the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh awards the Helen Shure Nursing Scholarship to single mothers who are sophomores enrolled in the clinical nursing major program as payment against tuition for the first semester of the junior year. Eligible nurse candidates for the scholarships must demonstrate financial need, be enrolled on a full-time or part-time study basis, participate in community or extra-curricular activities within the past two years, and fulfill all College of Nursing standards.
Contact
Helen Shure Nursing Scholarship
800 Algoma Blvd.
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 424-3377
fao@uwosh.edu
22. Intel-Northern Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
Each year, Northern New Mexico College awards the Intel-Northern Scholarship to financially needy students who are currently enrolled in the Micro-Electronics Technology degree program on a full-time basis with good overall academic standing. Preference will be given by the foundation committee to Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, women, veterans, dislocated workers, and single parents with primary custodial care.
Contact
Intel-Northern Scholarship
921 North Paseo de Onate
Espanola, NM 87532
(505) 747-2257
ndelatorre@nnmc.edu
23. Jeanne Opale Endowed Scholarships
Deadline: March 1st
Established in 2000 by the generous donation from the estate of alumna Jeanne Opale, Central Michigan University offers the Jeanne Opale Endowed Scholarships annually to outstanding and deserving incoming freshmen with one single parent or no parents. Since the merit-based scholarship provides students with up to $2,500 of scholarship funds, it is required that all candidates reside on-campus during their freshman and sophomore years unless they qualify as commuting students.
Contact
Jeanne Opale Endowed Scholarships
1200 South Franklin St.
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
(989) 774-3076
cmuadmit@cmich.edu
24. JoAnn Heffernan Heisen Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
As a travel grant that can be applied to study abroad program, the JoAnn Heffernan Heisen Scholarships is awarded by Syracuse University to students who have come from single parent households. Granted to students on the basis of academic merit and financial need, it is required that eligible candidates compose an essay stating their academic and career goals as well as how studying overseas will help reach these goals and make a positive contribution to the global community.
Contact
JoAnn Heffernan Heisen Scholarship
106 Walnut Place
Syracuse, NY 13244
(315) 443-4593
suabroad@syr.edu
25. John and Ursula Gardenal Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Provided by the City College of San Francisco, the John and Ursula Gardenal Scholarship is granted to full-time continuing students or students transferring to a four-year baccalaureate institution who are single parents and have overcoming a major difficulty to attend college. Requiring that students possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, eligible candidates must submit the general scholarship application along with a personal essay, verification of financial need, and an educational plan.
Contact
John and Ursula Gardenal Scholarship
50 Phelan Ave. LB5
San Francisco, CA 94112
(415) 239-3339
admit@ccsf.edu
With more single mothers and fathers struggling to overcome rising tuition costs in higher education to launch renewed careers, it is becoming increasing essential for single parents to seek assistance from available scholarships, grants, and loans. Therefore, it is highly recommended that all single moms and dads further investigate these scholarships for single parents to return to college without the heavy financial burdens standing in the way.
For the rest of our list, see College Scholarships for Single Parents (K-Z).
