Increasing Opportunities

• Scholarships for black mothers, at one time, were virtually nonexistent. However, much has changed, and today, African American mothers, many of whom are raising their children alone, are finding they now have opportunities to attend college. Because single mothers, and mothers of color in particular, are many times more likely to live above the poverty level if they are able to earn a degree, it is important they be given the opportunity to do so.
  
  

United Negro College Fund

• Some scholarship funds are available to black mothers based on their race. The United Negro College Fund (UNCF), perhaps one of the most recognized names in organizations granting scholarships to African Americans, provides funds mainly to historically black colleges and universities. Eligibility varies according to the college or program in which candidates may be interested; thus, interested applicants will apply directly to their desired school or program. Students attending UNCF member schools should also apply to the UNCF General Scholarship program at uncf.org.
  
  

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund

• Some of the many other scholarships available to African American women are based on their single parent status. One such scholarship, the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, is granted to a single parent residing in one of the participating counties in the state of Arkansas. Each county's eligibility requirements and application deadlines are different, so candidates should make certain they use the application provided within their own county. Interested applicants should apply directly to their county of residence in Arkansas.
  
  Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund
  
  State Foundation Office
  
  614 East Emma Avenue
  
  Suite 119
  
  Springdale, AR 72764
  
  (479) 927-1402
  
  www.aspsf.org
  
  

AARP Women's Scholarship Program

• Other scholarships are available to African American mothers who are facing any number of challenges, such as being unemployed, being underemployed, lacking medical or retirement benefits, or are 40 years of age or older. A scholarship that grants preference to women facing any or all of these challenges is the AARP Women's Scholarship Program. Scholarships vary in amount from $500 to $5000, and mentoring assistance is also granted. Interested applicants should apply directly to the AARP Women's Scholarship Program at aarp.orq/womensscholarship.