Scholarships Available for Women Age 40+
Source: AARP.org
The AARP Foundation is calling for entries to its third annual Women’s Scholarship Program. The scholarships will provide funds to women age 40+ who are seeking new job skills, training and educational opportunities to support themselves and their families.
Helping Women at Risk
“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,” said Deborah Banda, AARP Massachusetts state director. “The Women’s Scholarship Program is designed to help women 40+ overcome financial and employment barriers by allowing them to participate in education and training opportunities they could otherwise not afford.”
Advancing Careers Through Education
Since its inception in 2007, the program has helped nearly 350 women advance their professional goals through education.
Scholarships are available to eligible individuals with moderate to lower incomes and limited financial resources. To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must:
- Be female age 40 or over, as of March 31, 2009;
- Be able to demonstrate financial need; and
- Be enrolled in an accredited post-secondary school or training program within six months of the scholarship award date.
The program is especially trying to help women who are:
1) raising children of another family member, such as grandparents raising grandchildren or those raising siblings or nieces/nephews;
2) out of the workforce for an extended period of time; and
3) in “dead-end” jobs with no opportunity for advancement, low pay and lacking either health or retirement benefits.
Scholarships may be used for any course of study at a public or private secondary school, including community colleges, technical schools, and four-year universities. Funds are payable to the institution and may be used to pay for tuition, fees, and books.
Apply Today
Interested applicants may submit their application online. The application process closes on March 31, 2009 and scholarships will be awarded in early summer 2009.
About the Program
The scholarship program is made possible by the AARP Foundation with generous support from the AARP Foundation Women’s Leadership Circle. Scholarship winners will be chosen by an independent selection committee established by the AARP Foundation. They will be chosen on the basis of financial need, personal circumstances and achievements, educational goals, and the likely impact of the scholarship on their lives and their families and communities. The AARP Foundation will award up to 100 scholarship awards ranging from $500 to $5,000, depending on financial need and the cost of the education or training program.
Other Resources:
preview