AARP Foundation Launches Women's Scholarship Program
Up to 100 Scholarships to be Awarded to Moderate and Lower Income Women
Source: AARP Press Center | | August 22, 2007
The AARP Foundation today announced the launch of the Women’s Scholarship Program. This scholarship will provide funds to women 40+ who are seeking new job skills, training and educational opportunities to support themselves and their families. The AARP Foundation Women’s Scholarship Program is available to eligible individuals with moderate to lower incomes and limited financial resources.
“Last year, a record 67 million women were employed in the U.S., with 75 percent of those women working on a full-time basis,” said Robin Talbert, Executive Director of the AARP Foundation. “Women must have access to the educational tools that will best equip them to not only be competitive in the workplace, but also will help identify new professional opportunities to those seeking to re-enter the workforce. The Women’s Scholarship Program will provide valuable financial assistance to women most in need as they pursue their educational and professional goals.”
While many individuals benefit from the work of the AARP Foundation, research shows that women are disproportionately at risk of having insufficient resources in the second half of their lives due to lower earning and different work patterns. The AARP Foundation has established the Women’s Scholarship Program to help women 40+ overcome financial and employment barriers by allowing them to participate in education and training opportunities they could otherwise not afford.
The scholarship program is made possible by a generous donation from AARP to the AARP Foundation, the organization’s affiliated charity. Scholarship Program Administrators (SPA) in Nashville, Tennessee will administer the application process. Scholarship awards will range from $500 to $5,000, depending on financial need and the cost of the education or training program. The AARP Foundation will award up to 100 scholarships during the first award cycle.
Interested applications can submit their application online beginning August 31, 2007 at www.aarp.org/womensscholarship. The access key is AFWSP. The application process closes on October 31, 2007 and scholarships will be awarded in early 2008.
AARP Foundation: The AARP Foundation is AARP’s affiliated charity. Foundation programs provide security, protection and empowerment for older persons in need. Low-income older workers receive the job training and placement they need to re-join the workforce. Free tax preparation is provided for low- and moderate-income individuals, with special attention to those 60 and older. The Foundation’s litigation staff protects the legal rights of older Americans in critical health, long-term care, consumer and employment situations. Additional programs provide information, education and services to ensure that people over 50 lead lives of independence, dignity and purpose. Foundation programs are funded by grants, tax-deductible contributions and AARP. For more information, visit www.aarpfoundation.org.
