There are more women obtaining college educations than men. In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that 37% of woman in the workforce 25 years of age or older had obtained an undergraduate degree. Amongst the overall population ages 25 to 29, 36% of women had earned a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 28% of men of the same age group. Women are achieving their educational goals today with the assistance of education grants for women. The federal government, private organizations, corporations, unions, universities and colleges across the nation provide women with grants each year so that they can attend college.
Where to Look for Grants for Education?
Federal education grants for women can be found by applying online at the federal government’s FAFSA website (https://fafsa.ed.gov/FAFSA/app/fafsa?locale=en_US). Each state has their own educational grants for women that can be found on the state’s website as well. Corporations and private organizations also publish their education grants for women on their own websites. Colleges and universities post their free education grants for women on their websites. Most student financial aid offices have counselors that can direct students to their school’s website links so that students can apply for federal, state, municipal and private grants for women. Students should be prepared to supply financial information to support their application request. Many grants are needs based and some are merit based.
One of the best things about education grants is that they never have to be repaid to the grantor. Grants are free. However, sometimes grants are not enough to pay for the full costs of education. Student loans and scholarships are also available to women. Scholarships do not need to be repaid either. Student loans must be repaid.
Corporate and Organization Grants
Corporations give education grants to women. Grants may also be available through unions and non-profit organizations. Women of all ages, social and economic backgrounds are eligible for various types of educational grants. For instance, women who are returning back to school to finish their educations after raising a family or who have recently lost their jobs may also be eligible for scholarships and grants. Organizations such as The Chrysalis Foundation and the Eleanor Roosevelt Fund Exxon Mobil Foundation’s Initiative for Educating Women and Girls also award money for education of women. Applicants may need to search in many different places such as their school, online grant directories, grant library books, corporate websites and other places to find corporate and private organization grant opportunities.
Grant Funds and Their Uses
Grant funds can only be used by the recipient for their costs of tuition, books, living expenses and other related school expenses. Recipients are notified by their school of grant awards prior to the beginning of the school year. Because education grants for women are so popular, there is a lot of competition. Applicants are encouraged to apply early and to apply to many different grants.
Without grants, many women would have to give up getting an education. Grants are a primary source of funding for women who wish to obtain a college education in today’s competitive world. Grantors understand the important of giving women the opportunity to obtain a college degree because they recognize women’s intellect, creativity, innovative ideas and contributions to the community and improving the economy.