Scholarships & Grants for Single Hispanic Mothers

Being a single parent and going to school is challenging, especially financially. There are grants and scholarships available to single mothers, but also some aimed specifically at single Hispanic mothers. The government gives some of the grants to help single mothers get an education, but there are private scholarships available as well.

The Pell Grant is given by the government in cases of financial need to help with college expenses. Grants, unlike loans, do not have to be paid back. The first step to receiving a Pell Grant is filling out the FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a form detailing a person's financial information, so the government can determine need. Single mothers often qualify for more money because of their need. Pell Grants can be from $400 to $5,350.

Certain states may offer grants to single mothers who want to begin or continue their education. For these grants, mother will have to fill out the FAFSA as well (filling it out once a year will be sufficient. It does not need to be filled out more than once a year). A parent will need to be able to show that there is a financial need, the parent is a resident of the state, and that the parent has custody of the child. The amount of money a parent receives will be determined on the amount of need that is determined by the FAFSA.

The Hispanic College fund gives away scholarships every year to people of Hispanic heritage who demonstrate a desire to succeed academically. There are many organizations affiliated with this fund who will give scholarships to Hispanic single mothers. Applying for these scholarships is the first step in receiving them. The deadlines for these vary, so the best thing to do is apply as soon as possible. The Hispanic College Fund also requires a letter of recommendation—important to keep in mind when organizing around deadlines.

The organization Soropotmist is an organization that is community focused, particularly on women and their relation to community. They help women get an education and achieve their professional goals. There are different scholarships available from this group; however, a woman must become a member first.

For Hispanic students who are the first in their family to pursue a college career, The Sallie Mae Fund has scholarships of $500-$5,000 available. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and must also have a 3.0 - 4.0 GPA. They also must be U.S. citizens and plan on enrolling at a college in the U.S. full time.

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund has partnered with Toyota to provide scholarships to people in the Hispanic community. This scholarship applies only to people of Hispanic origin who reside in the greater Los Angeles area; Houston, TX; San Antonio, TX; New York City, NY; Miami, FL; Atlanta, GA; and Chicago, IL. Applicants must be U.S. residents with 3.0- 4.0 GPAs and intend to attend a 4- year college full time.

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund has partnered with many other companies and organizations to offer scholarships to people in the Hispanic Community. There is a database of scholarships available and their deadlines so it is easy to see what is still available and what deadlines have passed. Applying on the website will automatically bring up a list of what opportunities match up to each person.