Women over 50 can often be overlooked when it comes to college grants. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any opportunities out there for them. This is one of the best times in your life to apply for grants as a woman because you have more experience than younger applicants and may have more time on your hands than those with family obligations or other commitments

You are never too old to go back to school. The average age of college students is rising and an increasing number of applicants are over 50 years old. If you’re looking for grants for women over 50, there are many options available. There are many grants for women over 50, and this is a great time to start looking for them. You may be wondering why there are so many grants out there that cater to those in the baby boomer generation. 

This is because so many younger people have trouble getting their heads around the idea of retirement, let alone understanding what it means to be 50+. To help you learn more about these programs, we’ve put together this guide on how you can find some extra cash from your state or federal government.

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College Grants For Women Over 50

The following are excellent college grants for women over 50:

1. AARP Foundation Grant

The AARP charitable foundation was established to end senior poverty by helping people over 50, building economic opportunities, and giving them financial resilience. The foundation seeks projects that allow economical advancement opportunities among older adults with low incomes.  

Eligibility 

The grant does not apply for the following:

  • Operating deficits or debt retirement
  • Research funds
  • Campaign or political organizations
  • Influencing elections or lobbying legislation 
  • Sponsoring a fundraising event 
  • Marketing an endeavor or personal research 
  • Unrelated expenses to the project

Grant Application Process

The application process consists of two parts:

  • Pre-application with deadline on September 7, 2022
  • Full application with deadline on October 11, 2022

Applicants are to apply through the portal:

 https://aarpfoundation.force.com/grants/FGM_Portal__CommunitySignin

Scholarship Value

The project awards between $150,000 to $250,000 per year for a stipulated time. 

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2. Soroptimists Live Your Dream Awards Program

This is a unique education grant for women that are the primary financial providers of their families. The grant allows women the resources needed to improve their career, education, and employment prospects. More than half of the recipients are domestic violence survivors, sexual assaults, and trafficking.

Eligibility 

You are eligible as a woman if you:

  • Are the primary financial provider for yourself and your dependents, including your children, partner, spouse, siblings, and or parents.
  • Have financial need 
  • Are enrolled or accepted to a skill training program or vocation or degree program 
  • Are enthused to achieve your goals 
  • Are resident in one of their international member countries 
  • Without a graduate degree 
  • Are not a previous recipient of the grant 
  • Are not a member or employee of the organization

To apply

Go to their website for more information and to complete your application: https://www.soroptimist.org/our-work/live-your-dream-awards/apply-for-the-live-your-dream-awards.html

Scholarship value

More than $2,800,000 is globally awarded in education awards to around 1700 women. 

3. AAUW International Fellowships

The fellowship has been around since 1917. It provides support for international women that are pursuing full-time postgraduate studies in the US. It is meant for applicants who plan to return to their homes to pursue a professional career after their studies. There is a limited number for applicants studying outside of the US. 

Eligibility 

  • It is not open to previous recipients of the award 
  • It is not open to the AAUW staff team
  • It is open to all women, including those identifying as one
  • You must meet some additional requirements elaborated on the website

Scholarship value

The grant values between $20,000 to $50,000 every year

Application timeline 

The application opens on August 1 every year and closes on November 15

Website: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/international/

4. Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation For Low-income Women and Children

Established in 2003, the foundation is aimed at advancing some of former Congresswoman Mink’s most ardent commitment, which includes: educational access, equity, and opportunities for low-income women, especially mothers. It also includes educational enrichment for children. 

Eligibility Criteria 

An aspiring applicant must be:

  • A woman, at least 17 years of age 
  • A mother, with minor children
  • Pursuing a first degree at a post-secondary level of education
  • Pursuing a degree at an institution not discriminating based on gender, sex, or LGBTQ status. 
  • Enrolled in a not-for-profit accredited institution in the US 

Check their website for additional requirements

Scholarship Value

This year, the foundation is offering five educational support awards of up to $5,000 each to support low-income women with children, who are pursuing education or training. 

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Application timeline

The August 1, 2022 submission for 2022/2023 has passed. Information for next year will be available on the page in May 2023. 

Website: https://www.patsyminkfoundation.org/education-support-application

5. Jeannette Rankin Foundation Scholarship 

To continue Jeanette Rankin’s vision of creating a better future for American women, the national scholar grant provides non-tuition support and funding to women and nonbinary students across the US. Recipients should be 35 years of age and older, and demonstrate financial need or pursuing a vocational or technical education, an associate’s degree, or Bachelor’s degree at an accredited college in the US. 

Eligibility 

You are required to take this eligibility survey to confirm your eligibility 

Application timeline

This year’s application is currently closed. The 2023/2024 grant cycle will open by November.

Website: https://rankinfoundation.org/national-scholar-grant/

How To Apply for College Grant as an Older Woman

Applying for college grants is a process that takes time and effort. There are several steps to the application process, and you will need to gather all of the forms and information requested by the grant provider.

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1. Make sure you meet eligibility requirements

Some grants have specific requirements that you must meet to be considered eligible for them. For example, some grants are only available to students who are pursuing certain majors or who are attending certain schools. Others require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a valid Social Security number (SSN).

If you don’t meet all of these criteria, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t get the grant, it just means that you won’t qualify unless something changes in the future, such as getting married or changing jobs so that you do qualify under new rules.

2. Create an account 

The next step in applying for a grant is to create an account with the organization that provides the grant. Once you have created your account, you will be able to access their website and fill out the application form.

3. Gather your documents

The most reassuring part of applying for a grant is gathering all of your documentation. The more documents you have on hand when submitting your application, the better off you will be. This includes things like copies of birth certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees (if applicable).

4. Writing essays and application

The determinant step in applying for college grants is creating your essay or personal statement for submission along with any other required essays or statements (such as teacher recommendations). 

These essays should be written about why you need financial assistance from this particular organization to attend college; not just any college but specifically this one. Make sure that these essays are well thought out with plenty of detail about your need for the grant and your qualification. 

5. Review your application

This is an absolutely crucial step in successfully submitting an application. Often it happens that there are errors in applications, reviewing them before submission will help fix that. You have to review your application from start to finish to ensure everything is as it should be, then go ahead and submit it.

6. Submit your application 

Submit your application through the official channel for your application to be considered and processed. Some applications are sent online through a portal while some are physically sent by mail to an address, ensure to follow the stated guidelines. 

Benefits of College Grants for Women Over 50

There are many benefits to taking advantage of college grants for women over 50, including:

1. Financial Assistance

The most obvious benefit is financial assistance. If you qualify for a grant, then it will be paid directly to the institution where you are enrolled in classes. In most cases, there will be no obligation on your part other than completing the required courses and passing with a minimum grade point average (GPA).

2. Time

 It takes time to complete college courses and earn a degree or certificate. However, if you’re eligible for grants, then this can provide some much-needed financial assistance while helping you to stay on track academically. This means that you don’t have to quit school because of money issues. You can keep going until you reach your goal.

3. Accreditation

 Many colleges and universities offer an online degree program that can help students build their skills and knowledge base while earning credentials from an accredited university or college system. These degrees are accepted by employers.

Lastly 

Older women often think of themselves as someone without opportunities in this modern world. We live in a more humanitarian society than in the past and every part of human lives is being considered for development including women over 50. I am happy that I can gather these top five. I hope they are suitable for you.

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A college scholarship and application expert with passion for helping applicants secure their dream admission and grants to further their career aspirations

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