Scholarships For Single Moms In Virginia

Returning to college as a single mom in the state of Virginia is more costly than it has ever been in the past. Acquiring a college education is not a walk in the park as it requires considerable time, effort, and money. Single moms who are raising their children alone while balancing household responsibilities and jobs face a lot of financial challenges. The good news is that there are a multitude of scholarship options available for single-mom students in the state of Virginia.

How To Find Scholarships And Financial Aid For Single Moms In Virginia?

Single-mom students can use a combination of scholarships, grants, financial aid opportunities, and student loans to cover their college fees and other education-associated expenses. The federal government is one of the vital sources of financial support for single moms; however, you can also consider your school or college, including help from the Virginia State government and private organizations near you to locate scholarships, loans, and grants. To secure financial aid you need to fill out FAFSA, apply for different scholarship programs, and consider student loans if you’re unable to cover the cost using scholarships.

What Are The Different Scholarships For Single Moms In Virginia?

Following is the list of scholarship programs that are designed for single moms and low-income students in Virginia.

1. The Jefferson Scholars Foundation

Named after the third president Thomas Jefferson, The Jefferson Scholars Foundation was created to help both out-of-state and in-state Virginia students cover their tuition costs. Single moms in Virginia who are applying for the program can cover books, room and board, and other education-related fees while attending the University of Virginia through this scholarship program. Single mom students should be nominated for the scholarship award and they also have to go through a rigorous selection procedure to be eligible for the award.

2. Astronaut Scholarship

The Astronaut Scholarship is designed for low-income students including single moms who can display complete dedication and exceptional talent in the field of science and engineering. The financial award received through this scholarship is around $10,000 and is not renewable. The program is rarely renewable for one year in exceptional cases. To be eligible for the program, one student should have a recommendation letter from a faculty member at UVA. They also have to file FAFSA and submit a one-page personal essay to qualify.

3. Alumni Legacy Scholarship

The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is provided through James Madison University and is situated in Richmond VA. The award is designed solely for students who have grandparents or parents who graduated earlier from James Madison University. The award is based on the academic achievement and excellence of the applicants and there is no consideration for financial need. Single-mom students who are applying for the program must fulfill the eligibility criteria and write an essay describing why they are deserving candidates.

4. Pratt Scholarship

The merit-based scholarship program for incoming freshmen at the Virginia Tech institution is known as the Pratt scholarship program. Single moms students applying for the program can receive financial assistance if they are first-generation college students. The best thing about applying for this program is that you need not file any application or go through a rigorous selection procedure. If no one in your family has ever gone to college before you are eligible to receive assistance under this scholarship program. The scholarship award is worth $ 5,000 and is renewable.

5. AOTF District of Columbia Scholarship

This scholarship program is designed for students studying in Virginia who are majoring in occupational therapy. To be eligible single mom students are required to attend Howard University in Virginia and have a minimum of one year of coursework finished in the field of occupational therapy. The financial assistance received through this scholarship program may vary depending on the availability of funds. Only one financial award is received every year to eligible candidates and you need to write an application along with a letter of recommendation.

6. VTAG (Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant)

The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant program provides annual tuition assistance for Virginia residents who are attending private colleges and universities in the state as full-time students. The eligibility requirements to receive funding under this grant program are decided by the State Council of Higher Education. Single moms who are residents of Virginia, attending accredited school or private college, majoring in accredited discipline, and having maintained a full-time college enrollment are eligible to receive assistance under this program. Graduate students can qualify for an award of $1300 annually while undergraduate students can receive assistance up to $2800 annually based on the ability of funds.

7. Virginia Commonwealth Award Program

The need-based scholarship program known as the Virginia Commonwealth Award program is designed for undergraduate as well as graduate Virginia students. Single moms who are undergraduate students can qualify for assistance if they are attending recognized Virginia colleges and universities and fulfill the eligibility requirements. To qualify you need to be a resident of Virginia, display robust financial need, be a citizen of the United States or an eligible noncitizen, work towards a certificate or degree, and be enrolled in a degree for at least half time.

8. VDH Nursing Scholarships

Single moms who want to pursue an LPN or RN degree at a school in Virginia are eligible to receive financial assistance under the VDH Nursing Scholarships. Students are required to be residents of Virginia for a minimum of one year to receive assistance under the program. To be eligible for assistance you need to be a resident of Virginia for a minimum of one year and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in school. The maximum amount of scholarship award that you can receive may vary depending on your financial and personal situation.

Conclusion

The state of Virginia is renowned for its academic tradition and is home to top universities and prestigious schools. To address the financial challenges of single moms and low-income students there are government-backed financial aid programs, grants, and scholarships for Virginia residents that help them to avail college funding solutions and reduce their economic burden. If you are coming from a single-parent household in Virginia you can explore the aforementioned scholarship programs and cover your education expenses.