How Much is Offered?
Federal government guidelines require schools to award a minimum of $100 or a maximum of $4,000 to students eligible to receive FSEOG awards. Students who qualify for the FSEOG are low-income students who need more funding than the Pell grant alone provides. Even so, funds from both the Pell grant and the FSEOG will likely not cover all school-related costs.
Students are identified as being eligible for the FSEOG based on the answers they provide on their FAFSA applications. FSEOG-eligible students will receive funds each year, as long as they submit their FAFSA applications and maintain eligibility. FSEOG funds are sent to eligible schools, which then award a predetermined amount to each student. Once the funds are exhausted, no more will be awarded for that year. This is a first-come-first-served system. This is the biggest difference from the Pell grant, which gives funds to every student found eligible.
How are Payments Disbursed?
Once you are found to be eligible for FSEOG and the funds are disbursed to your school, your Financial Aid office or the Office of the Bursar then apply your FSEOG award to outstanding fees on your student account. These fees include tuition, institutional charges, room, board, and any other applicable fees.
Some schools will make payment in a combined method. This involves a portion of the payment being made directly to your student account, while the remainder will be sent in a check that is cut and sent straight to you. Grant fees are placed into your account a few days before school starts.
What Can I Use the Funds For?
After funds have been used to pay for tuition, fees, room and board, etc. - you may still have a little bit of money left over. If this happens to you, then you can apply some of the money toward paying for those too-expensive textbooks that your professors have recommended you buy.
Financial aid administrators aren’t able to dictate how you use any funds you receive. They are able to offer guidance on how it should be spent but they are aware that, because you qualify for the money, you can spend it as you wish. You may choose to use it for transportation to school if you don’t live on-campus by putting gas in your vehicle or buying public transportation access. You may also be able to use it for other expenses, such as utilities.
If you get a check for the remainder of the funds, you may want to consider save it. This way, you can pay for expensive emergencies.
Grad School Grants
When you decide to return to school for a graduate degree in any field, you’ll need to think about how you’re going to fund your continued education. A university education at any level isn’t cheap. Once you get to the graduate level, some specific grants won’t be available for you to use; the Pell Grant was designed only for undergraduates.
Grants are “free” money, provided to students for the purpose of obtaining an education. Once you know you’re returning to school, you need to complete a FAFSA application to be eligible for most grant funding.
Grants are not exactly the same as scholarships, though neither of them will need to be repaid. Grants are given because students demonstrate financial need; scholarships rely more on merit to be awarded. You may need to maintain a specific GPA to retain any grants that you are awarded. At the graduate level, a grant may be known as a fellowship.
Eligibility & Sources
Eligibility for a grant focuses mostly on financial need. To maintain the grant throughout your time in graduate school, you’ll need to submit a new FAFSA before the deadline each academic year. Eligibility is affected if you choose an unaccredited school as grant funding will usually not be provided for unaccredited educational institutions. Your chosen degree program and/or research goals may also affect eligibility as many grants are provided for specific majors.
If you withdrew from school; your enrollment status changed, reducing your eligibility; or you receive additional grants or scholarships, you may need to repay a portion of your grant. This is something you should keep in mind while putting together your full financial aid package.
Grant sources include the US Department of Labor, religious, community, ethnic, professional, and civic organizations, as well as local businesses. If you are employed, your employer may help by granting funds for tuition.
Types of Grad School Grants
As a graduate student, you have several sources and types of grants available to you. Beginning with federal, you may be eligible for Fulbright grants, Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grants, or Iraq and Afghanistan Service grants, which are intended for the dependents of service members who died in action in either country.
State grants assist students in graduate school. Some are intended to go to students who prove financial need, others go to students who are majoring in specific graduate-level degree programs, and some may be intended to help students conduct research.
Other graduate-level grants are specific to each school, who are looking to attract the best students. These grants pay for your graduate learning and some will pay for doctoral or PhD learning.
Federal Grants
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Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
Amount: Up to $4,000/year
Deadline: Submit your FAFSA before October 31 of each academic year.
Link: https://studentaid.gov/app/launchTeach.actionThe TEACH Grant is for undergraduate or graduate students who plan to teach a subject that is badly needed within a low-income area suffering from teacher shortages in either elementary or secondary school. Subjects include foreign languages, bilingual education/English language acquisition, mathematics, science, reading specialist, special education, and any other subject identified as high need, which the US Department of Education can change whenever they feel it’s necessary.
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Fulbright US Student Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline: October
Link: https://us.fulbrightonline.org/The US government may alter the number of awards, allowances, and terms of agreement from year to year. Recipients receive round-trip transportation into and out of the host country, as well as other benefits. In other countries, grants may provide book and research allowances, full/partial tuition, and other services.
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Fulbright-Hays—Group Projects Abroad Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline: December
Link: https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsgpa/index.htmlThe Fulbright-Hays program awards grants to graduate students who will be taking part in research, training, and curriculum development. Planned student projects are required to concentrate on languages, humanities, and social sciences within the Western Hemisphere, Africa, East Asia, the Pacific, and Southeast Asia.
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Jacob K. Javits Fellowship Program
Amount: A stipend of up to $30,00; Institutional payment of $13,755 (as of 2011)
Link: https://www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/programs/jacobjavits/javits-fellow-ltr.pdfThis program provides fellowships to students who have demonstrated superior academic ability. They are selected based on demonstrated financial need and exceptional promise. Students use stipends to pursue study at the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and the Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA) level within selected social sciences, humanities, and the arts.
Degree-Specific
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Doctoral Grants in Oncology Social Work
Amount: $20,000 initial stipend, with possibility of a 2-year renewal
Deadline: October 15
Link: https://www.cancer.org/research/we-fund-cancer-research/apply-research-grant/grant-types/doctoral-training-grant-oncology-social-work.htmlQualifying doctoral social work students who are training to conduct research specific to oncology social work are required to participate in an informational call for interested students. Students who wish to receive a renewal grant should show satisfactory progress in their doctoral program to be eligible to apply.
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McNair Scholars Program
Amount: Up to a three-year annual stipend of $34,000 and an education allowance
Deadline: Varies
Link: https://mcnairscholars.com/Students chosen for the McNair Scholars Program are able to obtain grant funding for several fields including business, arts & humanities, general graduate/scholar, diversity, social sciences, life and health science, and science and engineering. Each discipline is sorted into organizations and agencies that provide support for graduate student study.
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American Psychology-Law Society Grants in Aid for Graduate Students
Amount: Maximum of $1,000
Deadline: September 30
Link: https://www.apadivisions.org/division-37/awards/graduate-student-researchCurrent graduate students and active student affiliate members of the American Psychology-Law Society are eligible for this grant. These students are required to be working on research projects that are identified in proposals. Projects are required to have received proof of ethical approval.
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National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Amount: Not listed
Deadline: November 15
Link: https://www.nsfgrfp.org/The Graduate Research Fellowship Program within the National Science Foundation awards research fellowships to students who are early in their graduate training in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) field.
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Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education
Amount: Up to $15,000, projects lasting up to 3 years
Deadline: Rolling Schedule
Link: https://www.sare.org/GrantsThis grant is administered by the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Graduate Student Grant Program. Every grant is intended to support projects to address sustainable agriculture issues as a part of their degree program. Students should be officially registered master’s or PhD students.
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Jane B. Aron Doctoral Fellowship
Amount: Up to $17,900 - funding is based on projected earnings; The HEALS grant adds additional grant funding
Deadline: March 11
Link: https://www.naswfoundation.org/Our-Work/Scholarships-Fellowships-Awards/Fellowships/Jane-B-Aron-Doctoral-FellowshipThe Jane B. Aron fellowship aids graduate level social work students to assist in the creation of social policy that helps to meet people’s needs. One fellowship is awarded each academic year to one social work doctoral student writing a dissertation on health policy and practice.
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The Geological Society of America Graduate Student Research Grants
Amount: $2,100 average - based on total granted
Deadline: February 3
Link: https://www.geosociety.org/GSA/Education_Careers/Grants_Scholarships/GSA/grants/home.aspx?hkey=e4133995-e8fd-43a7-b169-7323b0d72ee9The GSA research grants program helps students obtain partial support for master’s and doctoral thesis research within their geological sciences degree fields. This research is required to be within the geosciences field. The grant writing experience is also designed to provide “career development opportunity” in requesting grants, development, and research.
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AAUW Career Development Grants
Amount: $2,000 to $12,000
Deadline: November
Link: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/Awards to students are made based on specific selection criteria. Namely, they are committed to education equity for women and girls, focused on your stated reason for pursuing higher education or technical training, a high degree of consistency between study plan and career objectives, and a high potential for success in the student’s chosen field.
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Organization for Autism Research Graduate Student Grants
Amount: $1,000 - Master’s students; $2,000 - Doctoral Students
Deadline: February
Link: https://researchautism.org/researchers/graduate-research/The Organization for Autism Research seeks students pursuing either their master’s or doctoral degrees in autism research to whom it can award grants. Winning students are required to be focusing their research on the everyday challenges that individuals with autism face. Research should also focus on the variations within the autism spectrum.
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Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon
Amount: Up to $5,000
Deadline: February 14
Link: https://www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/This fellowship is awarded to aid the fellow in his or her continuing scholarly research and writing projects that are focused within the field of caricature and cartoon. Eligible students are working toward their MA or PhD degree within an accredited graduate program. The university attended should be located within the United States, Mexico, or Canada.
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Nieman Fellowships
Amount: Various Fellowships
Deadline: Knight Visiting Nieman Fellowships - September; International Nieman Fellowship - December; US Nieman Fellowship - January; Abrams Nieman Fellowship for Local Investigative Journalism - February 18
Link: https://nieman.harvard.edu/fellowships/Eligible students are working toward their degrees in different journalism fields such as local investigative journalism or journalism innovation. Students will study and complete research projects at Harvard University. Graduate students who have already worked within a field of journalism field are also encouraged to apply.
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Ocean Science Journalism Fellowship
Amount: $1,200 travel allowance - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution covers room and board
Deadline: April 17
Link: https://www.whoi.edu/press-room/journalism-fellowship/This fellowship is created as a residential experience for professional science writers, editors, and producers. Applicants must work in print, radio, broadcast, or internet media. Students are introduced to the combined disciplines and diverse fields within ocean engineering and oceanography. Candidates should have two years, minimum, of writing, editing, or producing experience for a general-interest audience.
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Graduate Women in Science
Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: January 10
Link: https://www.gwis.org/page/fellowship_programEligible women in a graduate degree program in a science field will need to explain how their proposed research relates to their degree program. The relevance of their research may also relate to their planned career development. Women who have mentored or collaborated with other scientists are more likely to be selected.
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American Psychological Foundation Dr. Christine Blasey-Ford Grant
Amount: Up to $1,500
Deadline: February 15
Link: https://www.apa.org/apf/funding/blasey-fordGraduate students and researchers who are early in their careers focusing on expanding the understanding, prevention, and/or treatment of the follow-up to traumatic events (sexual harassment, sexual assault, or rape). Research must be innovative, expanding the field. Original proposals that contribute to the understanding of trauma are most likely to be accepted.
MBA Grants
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American Association of University Women Career Development Grants
Amount: $2,000 to $12,000
Deadline: November 15
Link: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/career-development/Eligible women must be US citizens or permanent residents and hold a bachelor’s degree; they should have received their degrees on or before June 30, 2015; they cannot hold an earned graduate or professional degree; and should be planning to enroll in courses that their employers require them to take for professional advancement (master’s degree or professional degree).
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Accenture American Indian - Graduate Level
Amount: $15,000 ($7,500/academic year for two years)
Deadline: June 1
Link:Qualified American Indians and Alaska Native students can obtain needed financial assistance so they can earn an MBA degree. Students must demonstrate a record of “outstanding” academic achievements, an ability to demonstrate good leadership, and a desire to preserve their Native American culture. They should also show proof of enrollment in a federally recognized tribe.
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Toigo Fellowship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: Not provided
Link: https://toigofoundation.org/become-a-toigo-fellow/This fellowship is awarded every academic year to a student planning to work in finance. Student must be either a US citizen or a permanent resident of the US. They must be Hispanic, African American, Native American, Alaska Native, or Asian-American/Pacific Islander.
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Cronk Opportunity
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Not provided
Link: https://www.womenoftheelca.org/scholarshipsThis grant is provided to women who are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Funds are required to be used for an MBA. Eligible women must be older than 21 and out of school for a minimum of two years before they can apply.
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Golden Key Research Grant
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: June 23
Link: https://www.goldenkey.org/scholarships/Eligible students must be members of Golden Key, current graduate or past-graduate students who are either part-time or full-time. They must be currently enrolled in a degree-granting program and submit a description of the proposed research, with documented evidence of an invitation to present at a professional association conference.
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Tribal Business Management
Amount: $500 to $5,000
Deadline: March 15 - April 30 - September 15
Link: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarships/tribal-business-management-scholarshipMBA students who are at least one-quarter Native American (American Indian or Alaska Native), are eligible for this grant. Students are required to submit proof of membership in a federally recognized tribe, an essay, letters of recommendation, and their transcripts. Recipients will be required to work to promote tribal development and management.
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The Forte Fellows Program
Amount: Not provided
Deadline: Not provided
Link: http://www.fortefoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=mba_fellowsEligible women must be enrolled in an accredited MBA program. They must submit an application to a business or school that participates in fellowship awards. Students must be full-time students in their MBA program. This program works to increase the numbers of women in MBA programs across the country.
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American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Amount: $2,000 to $35,000
Deadline: Varies – Many Grants Available
Link: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/The AAUW Career Development Grants provide financial support to women who are in school to advance or change their career. The Selected Professions Fellowship aids women in under-represented fields, including business, to earn their MBA degrees.
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American Association of University Women Career Development Grants
Amount: Not specified
Deadline: December
Link: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/career-development/Eligible students are female, US citizens or permanent residents. They must already hold a bachelor’s degree, which they earned on or before June 30, 2004. They are also required to attend a regionally accredited institution to qualify. Every credit must relate to their professional development and they must be taking courses for the entire grant year.
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Healthcare Management Research Award
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: February 3
Link: https://www.nihcm.org/awards/research-awardRecipients are required to be American College of Healthcare Executives working in the healthcare field and furthering their educations.
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Anderson School of Management Donor Fellowships
Amount: Not provided
Deadline: Not provided
Link: https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/full-time-mba/financing/financing-opportunitiesGenerous donors to the UCLA Anderson School of Management select MBA students to receive fellowships. Eligibility criteria include their intended career, professional development, and community involvement. Financial need may also be a consideration.
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UCLA Anderson School of Management Consortium Fellowships
Amount: Not provided
Deadline: Not provided
Link: https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/full-time-mba/admissions/consortium-candidatesAn applicant who is admitted through the Consortium process, who also becomes a Consortium member will be considered for a fellowship that covers full tuition and fees. The admission application packet’s strength influences the UCLA Fellowship Committee’s decision; fellowship awards cover a two-year period.
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ROMBA Fellowships (Reaching Out MBA)
Amount: $10,000 per year ($20,000 Total)
Link: https://www.reachingoutmba.org/lgbtmbafellowshipThe UCLA Anderson School of Business is a member school of ROMBA. These fellowships are awarded to students who identify or who have committed to act as an active ally of LGBTQ executives. Recipients should demonstrate leadership in this community and commit to the advancement of LGTBQ individuals in the world of business.
Military Grants for Higher Education
When students set about financing their education, they have several options. They can pay cash, use student loans, apply for scholarships, or win grants. Grants are a form of financial assistance that never need to be repaid. They can be enough to cover a semester's worth of books, incidental expenses such as fees for standardized tests, or they might finance an entire degree program.
Military grants typically come from the government as a thank-you for service or allow students to repay their educational costs with active duty service. Some colleges offer grants in the form of reduced tuition for students who have served. These reduced tuition rates can be compensated by a grant from the state government but might also be covered by the school alone.
There are also military grants which are offered to the families of service personnel. These can help the spouse or child of a fallen soldier attain a certificate or degree once their loved one has passed. The grants also acknowledge that families pay a price when a loved one is in uniform. This is why familial grants are extended to the families of soldiers who are still on active duty.
Eligibility
Each grant fund and program has its own set of criteria for recipients. In the case of military grants, most will require that the recipient be a current or former member of a branch of the US military. In fact, some grants will disburse only to certain branches. There are grants for Naval officers which excludes Marines and former members of the Coast Guard. There are even finer distinctions in that some grants are only for veterans of certain military campaigns or who served in specific companies.
Other grants are disbursed to the family of a soldier. To be eligible, recipients should be able to prove the relationship. Some may ask that the recipient not only prove the relationship but also that their service member served in a specific branch and on a certain campaign. For instance, there might be a grant that specifies family members of Air Force intelligence officers who served in Afghanistan, post-9/11.
Available Military Grants
Montgomery & Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Montgomery Bill is a renewed version of the original GI Bill that was enacted in the 1940s. Returning veterans, who have served at least two years in the military, can use this military grant to return to school and meet the demands of civilian life. To qualify for funds, the grant asks that soldiers volunteer $100 per month for their first year of service. In return, soldiers are welcome to reap the benefits of this military grant program.
When veterans enroll in full-time education, they are eligible to receive a monthly stipend that they can apply toward tuition, books, housing, or any expense they deem worthy. Part-time students receive less per month, but over a longer period of time.
Soldiers who have served at least 90 days in the time following September 10, 2001 are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This military grant provides up to 36 months’ worth of education benefits. These benefits may be extended if the veteran chooses a college or university in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The YRP extension is not guaranteed, and is often offered on a first-come, first-served basis, but it can be of great help to veteran-scholars.
Spouse and Dependents Education Assistance Program
Not only can officers and enlisted soldiers receive education benefits for themselves, but so can their families. These grant programs include the loved ones of both active and inactive soldiers. There are a variety of programs that cover the dependents of soldiers who are permanently disabled, deceased, or even able-bodied. There is also a special scholarship available for the survivors of soldiers who fell after 9/11.
Marine Deployed Education Program
Through this program, current service members can both serve abroad, remain on active duty, and advance their learning in college courses. When a marine is serving, they can take college courses through Park University or Central Texas College. The program provides tuition assistance so long as participants maintain a suitable GPA.
The program is intended to proceed on a mail-order basis, but provisions may be made for online education, provided that the soldier has access to the internet and a computer.
The program's chief strength is that it allows active duty Marines the ability to pursue higher education without having to leave the Corps. Provided that they have the time and resources to study and complete their assignments, distance learning can be a great way to make use of down time while loved ones are far away.
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Program
The Coast Guard assists its members with the Mutual Assistance Program in times of emergency. This program helps with housing, supports educational goals, and provides for medical or other essential financial needs. To these ends, CGMA provides loans, grants, counseling, referrals, and other assistance to qualifying individuals. This program is available to active and retired Coast Guard members, but also to civilian Coast Guard employees, reservists, auxiliary members, Public Health Service Officers, and to the families that survive deceased Coast Guard members.
Air Force Military Grants
Air Force Tuition Assistance Program
The Air Force Tuition Assistance Program is available for Airmen who wish to pursue their education while still on active duty. Airmen may wish to pursue a degree in their personal time provided that they meet certain qualifications, including being able to meet the Air Force's standards for physical fitness. The schools themselves must also be of high caliber. To receive an Airman's funds, colleges and universities must be fully accredited and be in compliance with the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding. The MOU affirms that all coursework be of a high caliber, among other things.
The program covers tuition costs up to $4,500 per year provided that Airmen in the program maintain good grades. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 during an undergraduate program and a 3.0 if in graduate school.
Air Force Aid Society
The Air Force Aid Society is collection of programs designed to help Airmen and their families when they encounter an emergency, need support for their families, or when their families wish to pursue higher education. The AFAS provides Air Force families with loans, scholarships, and military grants to help them pursue their dreams.
The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant is the centerpiece of the AFAS's educational program. The Arnold Grant helps families based on financial need and the award ranges from $500 to $4,000. Families who need educational support must first apply to this grant program in order to be eligible for the rest of the AFAS educational support programs, such as the merit scholarship and the supplemental loan program.
The AFAS Merit Scholarship is given to at least 10 students each year. Recipients who show outstanding GPAs receive $5,000. Applications must include high school transcripts and an essay that discusses an assigned topic. This scholarship is not based on need but is solely bestowed on outstanding students, independent of their financial situation. Thus, a student might not receive an Arnold Grant, which is based on financial need, but can receive the AFAS Merit Scholarship.
The supplemental loan program is also available to the families of active or retired Airmen. These loans are no-interest loans intended to assist students cover incidental educational fees, pay for supplies, and help pay for books. The maximum amount available per student is $1,000.
Navy Military Grants
Admiral Mike Boorda Seaman-to-Admiral Educational Assistance Program
Admiral Boorda was the first product of an enlisted-to-officer program to attain the rank of Chief of Naval Operations. He was a product of a now-defunct program called the Integration Program. However, once he became a Chief, he reinstituted the program under the title Seaman-to-Admiral Educational Assistance Program. Participants in the program receive up to $10,000 per year to assist with tuition, books, fees, etc. Once they complete an undergraduate degree, participants are commissioned as active duty Ensigns in the United States Navy.
Navy Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program
The Navy's Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program is an educational program designed to assist Seamen in completing their college education. Seamen who have already completed two terms with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or greater can apply to the BDCP. The program is quite generous in that it allows up to $54,000 for Seamen to complete their baccalaureate degrees. However, there are restrictions.
Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7 and choose a course of study that will be of use in the Navy. Preferred majors include mathematics, computer science, naval engineering, oceanography, and civil engineering, among others. Furthermore, students must attend school on a full-time basis.
Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program
Through this program, enlistees can complete graduate, professional degrees in Medicine, Dentistry, Clinical Psychology, Physician Assistant, Podiatry, or Optometry prior to accepting a commission as a Naval Officer. The program will pay for 100% of all tuition, books, and other educational fees. Housing and meals are not covered; however, recipients receive a monthly stipend of $2,100 which can cover some daily costs. For those students who pursue medicine or dentistry, the Navy offers a $20,000 signing bonus that may help cover any debts accrued while in school.
Navy Health Services Collegiate Program
This grant program is for graduate candidates in a variety of healthcare related fields. To qualify, candidates must be able to pass the Navy's physical fitness exam, be a US citizen, and be accepted to a fully accredited graduate school in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico. Candidates must undergo a three-month application process that includes interviews and a review of all academic credentials.
Upon graduation, program participants are guaranteed a position as a naval officer and can take advantage of continuing education opportunities. In return, participants must attend Officer Development School in Newport, RI and remain on active duty for three to five years.
Degrees eligible under this program include:
- Osteopathy
- Social Work (MSW)
- Pharmacy
- Occupational Therapy
- Healthcare Administration
- Environmental Health
- Industrial Hygiene Officer
- Audiology Residency
- Podiatric Surgery Residency
- Entomology
- Physician Assistant (masters only)
Navy Financial Assistance Program
The Navy Financial Assistance Program is designed for dental or medical physicians who have been enrolled in residencies or who have accepted fellowships. The residencies or fellowships must train the officer for a field deemed critical by the Department of Defense. Further, all programs must meet the DoD's requirements in that they must be approved by the American Dental Association, the American Medical Association, or the American Osteopathic Association.
To take part in the NFAP:
- All participants must still meet the Navy's requirements for physical fitness.
- All participants must also be licensed to practice their field in the state, or the District of Columbia, in which their training takes place.
- Participants are obligated to serve one year on active duty for every year of time in the program.
Benefits of the Financial Assistance Program include:
- Grant of up to $45,000 per year
- Medical and Dental Insurance
- Reimbursement for all books, supplies, and equipment
- Monthly stipend of $2,391
What is the Pell Grant?
The Federal Pell Grant Program is not a loan but a government educational assistance program that does not require repayment. It can cover up to $5,775 of educational costs each year with the award dependent upon financial need, costs of the school, status as a full-time or part-time student, and whether the student intends to complete a full academic year, or less. While the program is aimed at low-income undergraduate students, certain graduate students may also receive a Pell Grant and military members or veterans are welcome to apply.
To receive a Federal Pell Grant, students must be enrolled in a participating academic or vocational school. Need is based on a formula ratified by Congress and funds are only available to those who have not yet earned a baccalaureate or professional degree. To start the process, students need to first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. If you are a teacher or planning on teaching, you may also qualify for a TEACH grant.
Over the last several decades, more women have been joining the armed forces of the different military branches. If you are a woman in the military and are looking to pursue a career in STEM or owning a small business, there are additional grant opportunities specifically designed for women. A military woman pursuing a teaching career can actually qualify for up to 3 different grants (Military, Teach and Women Grants). Each of these grants will have their own qualifications and requirements.
How Much Money Can I Get with a Pell Grant?
While a federal grant makes paying for college significantly easier, there is one catch: student recipients are required to attend a college or university that has been accredited by an independent agency. The rationale behind this requirement is that the Department of Education will know that the education or work training you receive will meet high standards. If you attend an unaccredited college or university, you may not be eligible for federal financial aid.
The amount of aid you get each year changes. Currently, the maximum amount for a Pell Grant is $6,195 (2019-2020 academic year). Several factors can affect how much you will get annually. The Department of Education takes into account your cost of attendance, which is decided by your university/college and your degree program; your expected family contribution or EFC; whether you plan to stay in school for a full academic year; and whether you will be a part-time or full-time student.
If you are enrolled full-time in your fall and spring semesters, you may qualify for an additional $1,000 for the summer semester; 150% of your original grant award. Some people call this category the “year-round Pell” grant and it has only recently been made available. The amount of any other financial aid you receive won’t be affected by the amount of your Pell grant award.
If you are the child of a deceased member of the US armed forces who died in military service in Afghanistan or Iraq, you may qualify for more Pell grant funding. To qualify, you should be enrolled in community college or a university at least part-time and you should be younger than 24 years.
- The share of undergraduate students receiving Pell Grants rose from 26% in 2008-09 to a peak of 38% in 2011-12. It then declined steadily to 31% in 2018-19.
- The number of undergraduates declined by 2.9 million (12%) between 2011-12 and 2018-19. The number of Pell Grant recipients declined by 2.7 million (28%) over these seven years.
- Total Pell Grant expenditures were 35% higher in 2018-19 than in 2008-09 ($28.2 billion vs. $21.0 billion in 2018 dollars). The number of Pell Grant recipients was 10% higher (6.8 million vs. 6.2 million) in 2018-19 than in 2008-09.
- The maximum Pell Grant is the most frequently cited measure of per-student subsidies provided by the program. However, most students receive smaller grants because they are enrolled part time or because their family incomes and assets reduce their aid eligibility. In 2018-19, when the maximum Pell Grant was $6,095, the average grant was $4,160.
- In 2019-20, the maximum Pell Grant covers 59% of average published tuition and fees and 28% of average tuition, fees, room, and board at public four-year colleges and universities.
Pell Grant Eligibility & Requirements
Even though the Pell grant is considered “gift” money, you have to meet certain conditions to qualify. You should be a high school graduate (matriculated) who has been accepted for study at an accredited college or university. You must not already hold a bachelor’s degree. In your college classes, you should be enrolled in at least one credit each semester and maintain a good standing academically. You’ll also need to be a permanent resident or an alien with a valid Social Security number and verify your noncitizen status and eligibility when you are asked.
You shouldn’t have any federal student loans in default at your current university or any other university. You aren’t allowed to owe any refunds on federal Pell grants, federal Perkins loans, or the FSEOG. You’ll have to register with the Selective Service if you are a male aged 18. You must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate and pass a Department of Education-approved test or meet any other state-established requirements which have been approved by the Department of Education.
You’ll have to prove financial need, which your FAFSA expected family contribution (EFC) will demonstrate, along with the cost of attendance, your proof of enrollment, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.
You also cannot exceed the federal Pell lifetime eligibility limit, which is 12 full-time semesters or terms.
How to Apply for a Pell Grant?
To apply for the Pell Grant, you only need to fill out your FAFSA.
Before beginning to fill out your Federal Application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA), apply for your FSA ID. This is your PIN that allows you to sign your application. Go to https://www.fafsa.ed.gov to fill out your application. Fill out every section and question; failure to do so means your application isn’t complete and a decision on your request for financial aid of any kind will be delayed.
After you completely fill out your FAFSA and submit it, you’ll get a Student Aid Report (SAR), which will tell you what you may qualify for. Once you have submitted your FAFSA (which has to be resubmitted for each year you are in school), you will automatically be considered for a Pell grant, as long as you meet all eligibility requirements.
Make sure you submit your FAFSA before each deadline: the college deadline, which will vary from school to school; federal deadline, in which June 30 is the final day to submit; and your state’s deadline, which is vital if you are applying for state aid. Your expected family contribution (EFC) determines how much aid you are eligible to receive. It is not the amount they have to contribute.
How Will I Receive My Aid?
You won’t get the same Pell grant amount every year. This changes and is determined by the federal government. The amount of your Pell grant is affected by your EFC, your school and degree program’s cost of attendance, whether you are a part-time or full-time student, and even your plans to go to school for the fall and/or spring semester.
When Pell grants are disbursed, your school may apply your award to your school costs or it may pay the money directly to you, at which time you pay your tuition. Or, it may combine both of these methods. If you want to continue receiving the Pell grant each semester, you are expected to maintain continuous enrollment in an undergraduate course in a school in the US. You also need to fill out a new FAFSA application every year so that you stay eligible.
Is this Just for Freshmen?
No. Every undergraduate student who is able to prove financial need is eligible to receive a Pell grant award. Eligible students are limited to a lifetime eligibility limit of 12 semesters (six years) in which they can receive the Pell grant.
To determine your lifetime eligibility used (LEU), calculate one award year, then determine how many award years you have used. An award year runs from July 1 of one year to June 30 of the next year. As long as you submit a new FAFSA every academic year before the deadline, you will maintain your eligibility.
The Department of Education figures out how much of your lifetime maximum you have used. It uses the maximum six years. Next, it compares how much you have received for the current award year with your “scheduled award amount” for that award year. You may use the full 100% for that year or you may use less.
What Can I Use the Money For?
Because this is a federal education grant, it must be used to cover school-related expenses. As long as your classes are within an accredited degree program that culminates in an undergraduate degree, you qualify for a Pell grant.
Once your university or college has disbursed the money, it is used to pay for tuition and fees that are assessed, school books and supplies, your room and board, meals, and also for “miscellaneous” personal expenses. You should also be able to use some of your grant as an allowance for dependent care if you are a student caring for dependents. If there is money remaining once your tuition, fees, books and supplies have been paid, you will receive a check for the remainder.
Things to Note
- Some Schools Don’t Participate in the Federal Aid Program
Some schools choose not to participate in the federal student aid program. One example includes some faith-based colleges. These schools view government aid, which often requires schools to follow certain rules, as violating their religious beliefs. One example is following regulations such as banning discrimination based on sexual orientation.- A Pell Grant Will Likely Not Cover Your Entire College Tuition
While gift aid is certainly welcome to students and families with a financial need, they should know that the grant won’t cover the entire cost of tuition. However, it will pay for a significant amount, leaving the remainder to be paid through work-study or student loans.- It is Possible You Will Have to Repay All Some or All of a Federal Grant
While a federal Pell grant generally doesn’t require repayment, there are certain circumstances when this may happen:
- Received outside grants, reducing your need for federal aid
- Your enrollment status changed (went to school part-time, reducing your grant amount)
- Early withdrawal from the degree program for which you received financial aid
How to Supplement the Pell Grant
Don’t rely only on your Pell grant. It will not cover all your school costs by itself. Look for, and apply to, scholarships provided by various organizations. If you are good at sports or music, or you attend a particular church, you may qualify for funding. If your parents work for the government or for a specific organization, you may also qualify for scholarships from them.
If you are in ROTC or you are a military member, you may qualify for grants or scholarships from these organizations. Depending on your service branch, look for scholarships there.
You should also consider work-study. You won’t have to repay this money; you earn it while you are working. You can be an undergraduate or a graduate student living on or off-campus and still be able to make use of the work-study program. While funds do depend on their availability at your school, there is usually no minimum or maximum amount that limits you. You can also apply for subsidized student loans, though you should make this your last resort, since you have to repay these.
What is a TEACH Grant?
The TEACH grant is a special financial aid grant provided to students majoring in education. These students agree to teach in selected low-income schools in order to earn otherwise free money for their education. This requires them to complete annual TEACH Grant counseling and sign an annual Agreement to Serve (ATS) to obtain their grant money. The ATS contains information about their teaching commitment, along with penalties for not honoring their agreement.
Students who agree to serve in an eligible, low-income school or educational agency may teach at the elementary or secondary level, working off the grant funds they received while in school. This does not mean that they’ll be working for free, these teachers will be paid for their work, just as teachers who didn’t apply for a TEACH grant are paid. Provisions of the TEACH grant require recipients to teach for at least four years within the approved school where they were hired, or another eligible location.
To earn these grants, students must score higher than the 75th percentile on at least one portion of a college admissions test. Alternatively, they are required to keep their grades at or above a 3.25 cumulative GPA. Each school that is approved to offer the TEACH grant offers information on this program through their Financial Aid office.
What is an Agreement to Serve?
This is a document that you sign every year when you receive your TEACH grant. You’ll sign it on the TEACH grant web page, which also goes over the terms and conditions required to receive your TEACH grant. When you sign, you are saying that you agree to the conditions. You also acknowledge that if you don’t follow through with your service obligation, every grant you received will convert to a loan, with interest.
This agreement is legally binding in every state where it is signed. Everything is explained regarding your service obligation and how the grants may convert to a student loan. You’ll also learn about the repayment terms and conditions, along with your rights and responsibilities. When you sign your ATS, you agree to the terms regarding meeting your service obligation requirements. You also agree to repay all grant funds that convert to a student loan. Print out and file away every copy of every ATS that you sign for your records and future reference.
Who is Eligible for a TEACH Grant?
The TEACH grant program was established for students who plan to teach in low-income, underserved areas. Students agree to gain an education in one of several fields with a high level of need, which may shift due to changing teacher availability.
Because the Department of Education administers this grant program, it has established several eligibility requirements:
- Students must meet basic eligibility requirements for federal student aid
- Must be enrolled as an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate student in a university which participates in the TEACH grant program
- Must fill out, complete, sign, and submit their FAFSA
- Must enroll in an education program eligible for the TEACH grant
- Must undergo TEACH grant counseling and understand the terms and conditions of the service obligation
- Must meet academic requirements (college entrance exam scores) or keep their cumulative GPA at or above 3.25 - Eligible students can visit their financial aid office to discuss each requirement
- Each year they receive a TEACH grant, they must sign the TEACH grant Agreement to Serve
How to Apply
As with other degree programs, students who need grant funding should submit their FAFSA before every applicable deadline. Students within the TEACH grant program are also required to go through and finish their initial grant counseling and sign their Agreement to Serve. For each year they receive a TEACH grant, they will also have to attend the counseling session and sign a new Agreement to Serve. They also need to send in a copy of their college admission test scores (which displays a percentile ranking). This must be sent to the office of financial aid for each school they are applying to.
The service agreement states your intention to serve and promise to pay, should you not satisfy the requirements of the grant. If you do not satisfy the grant’s terms, the grant will convert to a federal direct unsubsidized loan, complete with interest that accrues from each date the grants were awarded.
How Much Can I Receive?
Students who receive a TEACH grant are eligible to receive up to $4,000 annually. The Budget Control Act of 2011, or the sequester law, effectively reduces every student’s award amount from what they would otherwise have received. Between October 1, 2019 and October 1, 2020, recipient students’ award amounts are reduced by 5.9% from the amount for which they would have otherwise been eligible.
This means that, if they were eligible for the full $4,000 award, they will now receive a maximum award of $3,764. In the prior fiscal year, TEACH grant recipients saw their awards reduced by 6.2% (they received the maximum award of $3,752.) If the student isn’t eligible to receive the full amount, their actual awarded amount will be reduced by 5.9%.
Are All Schools/Programs Accessible with a TEACH Grant?
Education programs listed as TEACH grant-eligible include university and college programs of study that prepare students to teach as “highly qualified” teachers in high-need fields. These programs should culminate in either a bachelor’s, master’s, or a post baccalaureate degree. Community college students enrolled in two-year programs that allow students to move forward into a bachelor’s degree are also eligible. A post baccalaureate program offered by a university that provides a bachelor’s degree in education will not be eligible for the TEACH grant.
Students who are seeking programs that are eligible for the TEACH grant may find degree programs within the overall education department. However, an education program that is TEACH grant-eligible at one school may not qualify for the TEACH grant at another university. Students need to check carefully; even if a program does qualify to be TEACH grant-eligible, it may not have been designated as such. If students aren’t sure, they should ask the financial aid office at each school which they are interested in attending. The financial aid officer will be able to identify specifically which education degree programs have been designated TEACH grant-eligible. Online programs are eligible, but students should always verify that they programs they choose are designated before applying.
How Do I know if I can Get a TEACH Grant at my Program of Choice?
You should ensure you meet the basic criteria for eligibility as spelled out by the federal student aid programs. To determine your eligibility you should fill out and submit your FAFSA, determine which education programs are TEACH grant-eligible, and fill out the form for the TEACH grant.
Once you have been awarded a TEACH grant, you’ll go through and complete the required counseling, learn the terms and conditions of your service obligation, and sign the TEACH ATS. In every semester that you receive a TEACH grant, you’ll need to maintain a GPA of at least 3.25.
If you don’t meet every requirement of your service obligation, every TEACH grant disbursed to you will be converted to a direct unsubsidized loan. You will be responsible for repaying these loans in full; interest will be charged and accrue from the disbursal date of each TEACH grant provided to you. One part of this agreement is that you will teach in a low-income school in a high-need field.
What are the Requirements to Keep this as a Grant?
Every year, you have to complete several steps to maintain your TEACH grant:
- Fill out and submit your FAFSA by stated deadlines
- Prove you are a US citizen or an eligible noncitizen
- Enroll in the Department/School of Education at your college or university
- Take courses that are designated as TEACH grant eligible (this grant is one that specifies that you have to take specific classes for the grant; it also specifies the type of teaching job you must accept in order to keep the grant from converting into a loan)
- Study in a specific high-need field once you receive your grant
- Maintain academic requirements: score higher than the 75th percentile in your admissions testing or keep your GPA above 3.25
- Sign a TEACH grant ATS every year
After graduation, you must teach in the high-need field you studied in school. When you start looking for teaching jobs, you can read through the US Department of Education’s Annual Directory of Designated Low-Income Schools for teacher loan forgiveness benefits. As long as you teach at that school, or another approved institution, for the duration of your service obligation, your grant should remain as a grant. If you transfer to a school that isn’t designated as a low-income school, your grants will convert to a loan.
What Counts as a High-Need Field?
Here, you’ll have some latitude. The Department of Education has designated seven high-need fields in low-income schools. This is true all over the US.
These fields include:
- Special education
- Bilingual education/English language acquisition
- Science
- Foreign language
- Reading specialist
- Mathematics
- Any other field identified as high-need by either the federal, state, or local government that has been placed into the yearly Teacher Shortage Areas Nationwide Listing (Nationwide List)
One caveat: Your chosen high-need field must be included for the state in which you plan to teach at the time you start your qualifying teaching service or when you received a TEACH grant. Even if the field later loses the high-need designation in the state where you will be teaching, you will still qualify for your grant.
Here are a few more requirements to keep your TEACH grant while you are in school. More than one-half of the classes you plan to teach each academic year has to be in a high-need field. Even if your chosen teaching field is no longer in a high-need designation, you can keep your grant.
In California, additional fields include:
- English/drama/humanities
- Special education
- Mathematics/Computer Education
- Self-Contained Class
- Science
Can You Cancel Your TEACH Grant Obligation?
Yes, you can. Under three scenarios, you can temporarily suspend the eight-year period you have to complete your service obligation.
These include:
- Receiving orders to an active duty status for a period of longer than 30 days as a member of the US Armed forces, reserves, or under your status as a member of the National Guard - being called to full-time National Guard duty triggered by a call to active service in relation to a national emergency, military operation, or war will also affect your obligation
- If you develop a health condition designated as a qualifying reason for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Enrollment in a graduate program which makes you eligible to receive a TEACH grant. You are eligible to obtain a suspension of the eight-year period of completion of your service obligation you entered as a part of your undergraduate program.
- If you are or were a military member, you may qualify for additional Military Grants that can help you cover the cost of your education.
- Another grant you may want to look into is a federal grant called FSEOG.
Your service obligation is also eligible for cancellation if you die or become disabled totally and permanently.
Grants for Women
Eligibility & Sources
To be eligible for grants, you typically have to be in pursuit of a specific degree or coursework such as STEM majors, business, healthcare, etc. You can find grants for every level of education: undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate. It’s also a good idea to look for grants specifically for women and women who are considered a part of a minority group. Today, most grants for women include anyone who identifies as a woman and women entrepreneurs can also find grants to start their own business or to support growth within their existing business. While your GPA may not be as important as your financial need for a grant, it may be used during the selection process to help narrow down the competition. However, your experience and passion can often make up for lower grades.
If you are in search of grants to pay for college, most of these grants will be offered through federal or state funding. This funding is given directly to the school to distribute to students in various departments on a financial needs basis. Your higher learning institution should provide you with information about all of the grants you may qualify for at their college or university. These grants will be listed in your financial aid package. You will be responsible for applying for grants.
Keep in mind that you can find grants from alternative sources as well, including businesses, states, non-profit organizations and a special teaching grant. Many corporations offer incentive grants to help with research in their field, as well as using this as an effective practice for attracting top talent to their businesses upon graduation. And many non-profit organizations and foundations offer grant money to develop industries that help various communities, social issues, and the world in general. Do not forget to read the fine print; in some cases, grants come with a stipulation that you must work for the organization that provided you the financial charity for a limited time once you graduate.
Reasons to Look for Grant Money as a Woman
Most college students require at least some financial assistance. Perhaps the ultimate reason to look for grant money as a woman is to reduce your debt upon course completion or graduation. You don’t have to pay back grants in most cases and, the less debt you have upon graduation, the better your quality of life will be in the immediate future.
Several additional benefits to seeking out grant money include:
- Prestige
- Renewable funding
- No repayment
- Motivation and accountability
- No-tax money
- Lower student loan dependency
Types of Grants
You will find a variety of types of grants. Most people are already familiar with research grants; these are often dedicated to graduate and post-graduate students in science and technology. However, you can find grants for almost anything including program grants, federal grants, continuation grants, pass-through grants, and competitive grants. Most grants are considered competitive grants, which are also referred to as discretionary funding at the college and university level. This means that a person or persons will review all applications and select the recipients of their choosing. It’s a competition and they decide who they want to win, and funding is finite. To improve your chances, follow the guidelines as closely as possible and only apply to grants for which you qualify.
To determine if you are eligible for grants with the college or university you plan to attend, complete your FAFSA form before the deadline. This is a highly critical deadline to meet if you require financial aid. You will receive a financial aid offer from each school explaining the grants for which you are eligible and any other financial aid for which you might qualify, such as work study, student loans, and scholarships. Keep in mind that, in some circumstances, grant money is first come first serve. Be sure to submit applications as soon as possible so that you don’t miss out on an opportunity.
College Grants for Women
Grants specifically for women are highly limited and even more competitive than most. Don’t forget about the federal grants that are available for everyone and more freely distributed such as the Academic Competitiveness Grant, the Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, and the National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant. These grants are often awarded to students who can demonstrate financial need and open to all.
However, the following are grants specifically dedicated to women in pursuit of higher education:
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AAUW Career Development Grants
Amount: $2,000 to $12,000
Deadline: November 15
Link: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/career-development/
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers a Career Development Grant for women who are in search of career advancement, reentry to the workforce, or even a change to their career trajectory. You must have completed a bachelor’s degree before July 2015 to qualify. Applicants can pursue second bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, certificate programs, technical school programs, or professional degrees. It is also important to note that this grant gives special consideration to women in pursuit of an advanced degree for the first time, women of color, and women seeking credentials in a field that is considered non-traditional. You can use the funds for tuition, books, supplies, fees, dependent care, and transportation. All applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents. Online education will be considered if it is offered at an US Department of Education approved, accredited, higher learning institution.
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P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education
Amount : $3,000
Deadline : 10 Weeks Before Term Start
Link : https://www.peointernational.org/about-peo-program-continuing-education-pceThe P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education (PCE) provides needs-based grants to women in pursuit of a degree or certification. Prerequisite courses, doctoral degrees, and immediate continuation of another degree do not qualify. Qualifying applicants must have experienced a minimum of 24 consecutive months without being a student at some point in their career. You can, however, pursue technical and academic courses along with approved online programs. Grant funds are to be used strictly for tuition, books, supplies, exam fees, graduation fees, transportation, and childcare during course-related times. You must be a US or Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and you will not be required to be a member of P.E.O. to qualify. However, applicants who are not members will require local chapter sponsorship to move forward as a grant candidate. This can be done by completing the online application.
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Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Grant Program (WAMS)
Amount: Varies
Deadline: February 24
Link : https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/women-and-minorities-science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics-fieldsThis grant is dedicated to both education and career advancement. If you have a project you wish to be approved, the project must center around improving STEM participation in rural areas from underrepresented minorities and women. To be eligible, you must be focusing on human sciences, natural resources, agriculture and food. Projects should also focus on STEM employment opportunities and rural economic growth and viability. A total of $400,000 is available for grant funding. This total sum will likely be distributed between several qualified applicants.
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Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Award
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: TBA
Link : https://www.patsyminkfoundation.org/education-support-applicationThe Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation is committed to helping improve the lives of women and children from low-income households. The award is dedicated to mothers in pursuit of higher education to empower themselves and to take control of their future. To qualify, you must be a mother with minor children who are no older than the age of 17. You must also be in pursuit of your first degree. It can be an associate degree, vocational degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctoral degree, or other professional degree. It just has to be your first degree of any kind. The higher learning institution of your choosing must be an accredited, non-profit school or program located in the US and you must earn less than $20,000 if you are a family of two, less than $24,000 for a family of three and less than $28,000 if you have four members in your family. Funds are to be used for school and/or living expenses only.
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Live Your Dream Awards
Amount: Up to $16,000
Deadline: November 15
Link : https://www.soroptimist.org/our-work/live-your-dream-awards/apply-for-the-live-your-dream-awards.htmlThe Live Your Dream Awards is sponsored by the Soroptimist. The awards are dedicated to women who are the primary financial earner in the household. You must also have dependents; this can be in the form of parents, siblings, a partner, a spouse, or children. Applicants will have to verify their financial need. To qualify, you must reside in a participating member country of the Soroptimist organization, which includes the US, Canada, Mexico, Paraguay, Taiwan, and more. You cannot have won this award previously or already completed a graduate degree. The funding can be used for tuition, books, transportation, and/or childcare. The overall purpose of these awards is to allow women to focus more on completing higher education and worry less about financial obligations.
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Go Girl! Grants
Amount: Varies
Deadline: December 15 / June 15
Link : https://girlfriendfactor.org/go-girl-grants/Go Girl! Grants are provided by the Girlfriend Factor. Over the years, more than 147 women have been provided $500,000 in grant funding. These grants are dedicated to women in pursuit of bachelor’s degrees and occupational certifications. To qualify, you must be able to verify your financial need and be at least 25. It is essential that you demonstrate your passion for your educational journey and career potential. You can pursue nearly any type of education in a variety of educational institutions such as beauty school, dentistry school, community college, state schools, or private colleges. The only stipulation is that you attend a school near Coachella Valley, CA. The goal of these grants is to provide self-sufficiency and economic growth to women through higher education. Keep in mind that these grants are given twice a year.
Business Grants for Women
Business grants for women help to empower anyone who identifies as a woman by improving career prospects and providing entrepreneurial opportunity. Just like college-specific grants, you will not have to pay these grants back. It can be extremely difficult to continue your education and start a business with some of life’s bigger challenges hanging over you. These grants give women a greater financial advantage for continuing education and starting new businesses. The more grant money you procure, the less you will have to depend upon loans and working several jobs to save money. Be sure to apply for as many grants as you qualify for to improve your chances of securing this type of gift aid.
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The Amber Grants
Amount: $4,000 to $29,000
Deadline: Last day of every month
Link: https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/apply-now/
The Amber Grants are awarded by the Amber Grant Foundation to eligible women. This grant process is slightly unique in that, if you win a $4,000 grant, you become eligible to win an additional $25,000 grant. Each month, one grant is awarded for $4,000. Once a year, a $25,000 grant winner is selected from the year’s previous $4,000 grant winners. In total, you could win $29,000. This grant does require an application fee of $15. The grant is not guaranteed just by paying the $15 fee. You must be a woman business owner in the US or Canada to apply. You can be the sole founder or a co-owner with other women or men. Non-profit entities do not qualify.
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Idea Cafe’s Small Business Grant
Amount : $1,000
Deadline : January 21
Link : https://www.businessownersideacafe.com/19th-small-busines-grant/winner?page=rules-and-timelineThe Idea Cafe’s Small Business Grant is dedicated to small business owners. While it is not exclusively for women, the vast majority of the community is women. As a result, the winners are typically women. The type of business can be anything, including businesses related to food, animals, technology, crafts, and more. This grant does not require an application fee. You also do not have to submit a business plan along with your application. Winners are selected by the community. It is recommended that you encourage your friends, family, customers, business partners, etc. to vote for you. However, keep in mind each person can only vote one time each round. If you win a qualifying round, you will go up against the other finalists to win the grant.
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Cartier Women’s Initiative
Amount: $30,000 to $100,000
Deadline: TBA
Link : https://application-form.cartierwomensinitiative.com/new-applicationThe Cartier Women’s Initiative is dedicated to women in business who found and lead businesses. The businesses must demonstrate tremendous potential for significant growth in the coming years and be in the early growth stages. You must also demonstrate your drive to take your business to the next level. Twenty-one finalists will be selected from seven pre-determined regions, which equates to three finalists from each region. During the competition and throughout awards week, as a finalist, you will receive financial and business coaching, attend workshops and networking events, interview with local and global press, and receive vast media exposure. One winner from each region will receive $100,000. The two runners-up in each region will receive $30,000. You will also receive prizes and benefits in addition to the money, such as paid access to entrepreneur programs and continued support to develop your business. It is important to note that only for-profit businesses are eligible for these financial awards. You must also be at least 18 and speak and write with proficiency in English.