Although the vast majority of scholarships are directed toward traditional students who are entering college directly out of high school, there are educational grants and scholarships available to women over the age of 40. Women over 40 who are searching for scholarships should be on the lookout for those limited to women, limited to persons of a particular age or limited to students who are returning to school.
The Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund
The Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund makes money available on annual basis to women over 40 who wish to return to college. Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarships are awarded in varying amounts each year. To be eligible, an applicant must be female; at least 35 years of age; a U.S. citizen; pursuing a technical, associate's or first bachelor's degree; and able to demonstrate financial need. Applications must be postmarked by March 1. Prospective applicants should visit the Rankin Foundation website for more information.
Jeannette Rankin Foundation 1 Huntington Road Suite 701 Athens, GA 30606 706-208-1211 rankinfoundation.org
AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program
The AARP provides educational grant money to women over 40 through the AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program. AARP Women's Scholarships are awarded in amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000. To be eligible, an applicant must be female, must be at least 40 years of age, must enroll in a program of study within 6 months of receiving the award and must be able to demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given women who are returning to the workforce, underemployed or caring for another family member's children. The annual deadline for application is October 31.
AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program c/o Scholarship Program Administrators, Inc. P.O. Box 23737 Nashville TN 37202-3737 aarp.org
BWIS Renate W. Chasman Scholarship
Brookhaven Women in Science makes annual scholarship support available to women over 40 who wish to return to college through the Renate W. Chasman Scholarship. The Renate W. Chasman Scholarship is awarded in the amount of $2,000. To be eligible, a candidate must be female returning to college, a permanent resident or citizen of the United States and at least an undergraduate junior. In addition, a candidate must be a resident of Long Island and must be pursuing a degree in mathematics, engineering or the natural sciences. The annual deadline for application is April 1. Interested students should visit the BWIS website to download an electronic application.
Chasman Scholarship Fund P.O.Box 183 Upton, NY 11973 bnl.gov
