Women Education Grants

Women seeking education grants are afforded opportunities that some 20 years ago where almost unknown. Today with women entering more professions – not just medicine or engineering – but in every imaginable field – the presence of women is re-shaping the work environment.

And while it is true that the economic downturn in the United States is creating new difficulties for both women and minorities, education grants assist in obtaining the education and training a woman needs to be prepared for the 21st century. This preparation means identifying women education grants, carefully reviewing all eligibility criteria, accurately completing the grant application with all accompanying documentation required, and doing all this early!

Part of the problem with obtaining women education grants, as for other grants that provide funds for an education, is that often they are awarded on a “first-come, first-serve” basis. In other words, to get the education grant needed means being one step ahead of all the other women who are applying as well.

Other criteria shape the education grant application process, too. Criteria may involve financial need, adherence to minimum grade point standards, attendance (full-time or part-time). Some grants have deadlines that must be adhered to in order to receive consideration for funding. All this matters! It is essential to conduct research as soon as possible. Visit the Department of Student Financial Aid: follow its instructions if the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required.

There are education grants that specific target women 50 and over. Other grants are available to women who are entering traditionally “male-dominated” professions. Many colleges and universities encourage women to enter mathematics, engineering, chemistry, and other “hard science” fields, and provide significant education grants expressly for such purposes. Some women education grants target minority women: African Americans, Hispanics, Chinese-Americans, and Hmong.

Career development grants are available for women who have obtained degrees, but want to pursue further education. Again, these education grants for women are excellent sources of funding. Such grants are found through identifying sources of private aid. These sources are often associated with Women’s Professional Organizations: engineers, mathematicians, physicians, research scientists, veterinarians,
Accountants, to name just a few! If a woman is interested in entering one of these fields, contact the professional organization. Find out what it is that might be offered financially. Maybe nothing: but maybe something.

The work of securing an education grant for women is, like all other grants, not easy. What’s important here is: Due Diligence. Take the time; make the effort to understand all aspects of financial aid as they are presented at the federal, state and institutional levels. Understand that most sources of funding are generated first at the federal level, and is need based. Indeed, merit scholarships are available for women, and some are specifically set aside for just that purpose.

Leave nothing un investigated: contact women’s professional organizations, non-profit organizations that are invested in advancing women, particularly minority women, and large corporations. Complete all applicable forms at every level. Be the first, and be thorough!

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