How to Manage as a Single Parent in School
As economic pressures mount and more and more businesses are forced to make adjustments, single parents are finding themselves seeking out college educations in order to create a better future for themselves and their children.
Many people returning to school are surprised at number of single parent scholarships and grants available for help. If you have ever wanted to go to college but lacked the money then read this article on single parent grants for school.First,
Show me the Money!The most difficult part of being a single parent in school seems to be getting funds to return to college. But a single parent enrolled in school has access to many different federal aid and grant programs. Look below for just few:
- Federal Pell Grant – this program is one of the longest running single parent grants for school. The Pell grant started in 1965 and has provided millions in funding for single parents for school.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - As the name implies this single parent grant for school is a “supplemental” source of money which may be added to the package for single parents already awarded the Pell grant.
- The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) – is like a number of single parent scholarships and grants awarded to students enrolled in the more rigorous academic course of study.
- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH) – This grant for single parents in school is the latest program designed to increase the number of teachers in the public and private school systems. If you have ever wanted to become a teacher then this grant is an excellent opportunity for you.
- The National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant) – Don’t let the name fool you. You don’t have to be a genius to apply for this program (although it doesn’t hurt). This is a great way to fund your college education if you are single parent in a school science or language program.
Organize As single parent in school, you must learn how to organize your working and family life around your classes and college work:
- Cook ahead of time and freeze your meals. This can be lifesaver, when you and your family are pressed for time.
- Do Homework Ahead of Schedule. As a single parent in school, you should plan to do your homework and reading assignments ahead of time if possible. This is because you will probably more than once be pulled away from your class work due to some family crisis or another.
- Work on Campus. Many schools have work study programs, as well as grants for single parents. These work at school programs make it possible for you earn the extra money you need without wasting time or gas money driving to an off campus job.
Juggling your responsibilities as a single parent and a college student can be both difficult and at times overwhelming, But now that you know how to get single parent grants for school and some basic organizational tips, you can see how returning to school as single parent need not be frightening.
