by Often times we are asked if there are scholarships for single parents over 30 years old living in New York? Well the answer is yes, there are scholarships specifically for single parents who are in the ages above 30. We understand being a single parent is quite challenging. This is true especially when you’re over 30 and trying to pursue higher education. Fortunately, there are many scholarships available in New York. We have compiled this list to help single parents achieve their academic goals. If you’re a single parent facing this challenge, this guide will provide you with valuable information. You can learn about different scholarships. We will also cover eligibility criteria and application processes.
Why does scholarships matter for single parents?
It matters because it helps reduce the financial trouble of higher education. For single parents, this support can be life-changing, letting you concentrate on your studies and family without the constant worry of tuition fees and other expenses.
What are types of scholarships available?
There are known two types of Scholarships. Need-Based and Merit-Based scholarships.
What is need-based scholarship?
This scholarships are awarded based on your financial need. It is designed to help those who may not have the means to afford higher education on their own. Unlike merit-based scholarships that focus on academic, athletic, or artistic achievements, need-based scholarships aim to make higher education accessible. They support students from low-income backgrounds or those facing financial hardship.
To determine eligibility for need-based scholarships, you need to provide financial documentation. This documentation includes family income statements, tax records, and bank statements. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a common form that is used to assess a student’s financial need for federal aid. It is also used for many other scholarship programs. Need-based scholarships can come from different sources, including:
- Federal and state governments. They offer grants and scholarships like the Pell Grant and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG).
- Colleges and universities. Many institutions have their own need-based scholarship programs for their students.
What is merit-based scholarships?
Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, leadership experience, and other accomplishments. These scholarships recognize the hard work and dedication of single parents who excel in their studies and extracurricular activities. It also rewards students who have excelled in academics, athletics, music, arts, or other fields. Some common criteria for merit-based scholarships include:
- Academic performance. Your GPA, test scores, class rank, challenging coursework.
- Extracurricular activities. Your leadership roles, involvement in clubs or sports.
- Talents and skills. Your demonstrated abilities in music, arts, or other areas.
- Community service. Your volunteer work and contributions to the community.
Meanwhile, merit-based scholarships can be offered by a variety of organizations, and that includes:
- Colleges and universities:. Many institutions offer merit-based scholarships to attract high-achieving students.
- Private organizations. Companies, foundations, and other groups may offer scholarships to students who meet specific criteria.
- Professional associations. There are many organizations related to specific fields who offer scholarships to students pursuing related careers.
What are the New York scholarships for single parents?
Ascend Educational Fund Scholarship
This is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to immigrant students and children of immigrants, including single parents who are graduating from a New York City high school. The scholarship can be used to attend public or private colleges and universities, regardless of ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status. To be eligible for the scholarship funds, you have to meet the criteria of been born outside the United States or have two parents that are born outside the United States. You have to be a graduating senior at a high school in the five boroughs of New York City. You are enrolled full-time at an accredited public or private college or university.
This scholarship is a unique scholarship in two ways. It makes both a time and capital intensive commitment to its scholars. They awards between $2,500 and $20,000, and enrolls you into an intensive academic and professional mentorship program. It also serves all immigrant students regardless of national origin, ethnicity, and immigration status. This is a great opportunity for single parents over 30, immigrant students and children of immigrants who are graduating from a New York City high school. If you are interested in applying for the scholarship, visit the Ascend Educational Fund website for more information.
Financial Service Centers of New York Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by major banking institutions in NYC and is geared toward high school seniors in New York City and surrounding areas who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership in their school, and involvement in their community. They offer financial assistance to single parents attending private or public high schools in the Greater New York metropolitan area. The grand prize is $7,500, with extra awards of $4,000 and $2,000.
The scholarship program, offered in conjunction with MoneyGram International, has been running for over 20 years and has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to deserving parents and students. To be eligible, you must be a senior attending a public high school in New York City’s five boroughs or surrounding New York counties. You must demonstrate academic achievement, show leadership in your school and be involved in your community, contributing at least 50 valuable hours of volunteer service each year of high school.
The application process includes submitting an essay describing your most rewarding community service experience. This scholarship is a great opportunity for you if you’re a single parent and are passionate about making a difference in your community and are committed to academic excellence too.
New York Women in Communications Inc. Foundation Scholarship Program
This annual scholarship program is open to low-income students, including single moms, who are New York residents. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.2 or higher and be planning to study in a communication-related field. Five nonrenewable awards worth $10,000 are provided annually. Below is a breakdown of the scholarship program.
What is the eligibility for NYWICI scholarship programs?
You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who live in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania. If you’re a student who resides outside these states but attend school in NY, you are also eligible. Also your student’s status to be eligible must be a high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate student. Graduate students must be members of NYWICI. All applicants must be majoring in a communications-related field, like advertising, broadcasting, digital media, English, film, journalism, marketing, public relations, or publishing. A minimum GPA of 3.2 or higher is required, and the scholarship award amount generally range from $2,500 to $10,000.
The NYWICI usually awards 15-20 scholarships annually, and the scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, and a demonstrated commitment to the field of communications. The internship requirements includes an internship component, which must be completed before the scholarship funds are disbursed.
What is the application process for NYWICI scholarship programs?
The application period usually opens in the fall. You can check the NYWICI website for the exact dates. If you want to apply, you must submit an application form, your transcripts, your letters of recommendation, and any other supporting materials. For more guide and to apply, you can visit the NYWICI website: https://nywici.org/advance/students/scholarships/
New York State Grange Scholarship
This scholarship offers several scholarships to single parents and students pursuing higher education, particularly in agriculture and in nursing, and are members of the organization too. They provides financial assistance for your higher education and are awarded based on academic achievements and community involvement. Below are some of the scholarships they offer:
- Susan W. Freestone Education Award. This award is for former Junior Grange members who are now members in good standing of a Subordinate Grange in New York State. It provides $1,000 to assist with your higher education.
- June Gill Nursing Scholarship. This scholarship is for Grange members in good standing who are pursuing a degree in nursing. It provides $1,000 to encourage you and the Grange members who are to enter the nursing profession.
- DeNise Agriculture Scholarship. This scholarship is for students pursuing a major in the field of agriculture. You must have membership/participation in at least one of the following: FFA, Skills USA, 4-H, FCCLA, or Grange (you can google this memberships for more details about them)
- New York State Grange Cornell Fund. This fund provides financial assistance to students studying at Cornell University.
The deadline for most of these scholarships is usually April 15th. You can find more information and application forms on the New York State Grange website.
Stonewall Community Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship supports LGBTQ single parents pursuing higher education. The foundation funds over 100 nonprofits annually, providing scholarships worth up to $8,000. They also offers several scholarships to support LGBTQ+ individuals pursuing higher education. They have a couple of scholarship programs like, the Little Bird Scholarship. This scholarship offers financial stability to undergraduate parents and students who are both LGBTQ+ or intersex, and undocumented immigrants. It awards funds for up to two years of your school. You can find more information about these and other scholarships offered by the Stonewall Community Foundation on their website: https://www.stonewallfoundation.org/
Another scholarships for single parents over 30 in New York can benefit from is the Traub-Dicker Rainbow Scholarship. This scholarship supports lesbians in their higher education pursuits. It provides one-year scholarships to single parents, and students graduating high school or already enrolled in college, including graduate school. It was established by Peggy Traub and Phyllis Dicker to encourage and support lesbians in achieving their academic goals. The amount of the scholarship varies, but it is typically between $1,500 and $4,000. It will be paid directly to your school and is applied toward tuition. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must demonstrate a commitment to impacting LGBTQ issues.
The application process includes submitting an application form, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays. The selection committee will review your application after you submits it based on your academic achievement, community service and leadership, and a strong commitment. This is a valuable resource for single parents who identified as lesbians and are pursuing higher education.
How can I apply for scholarships?
To increase your chances of success you need the right approach. I will share some tips below to help you win the application process. NB: This scholarships guide is for New York residents.
1. You will need to research very well. Start by researching the various scholarships listed in this post. Make a list of the ones you are eligible for and note their application deadlines from there websites.
2. You will need to prepare your documents. Gather all necessary documents, like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of financial need. Having these ready will make the application process smoother for you.
3. Write a compelling essay. Scholarships program always needs an essay. This is part of the application. Take the time to write a compelling essay. Make it heartfelt. Highlight your achievements and goals. Explain why you deserve the scholarship.
4. If you want to apply, then you must do that early. Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your applications. Applying early shows that you are organized and serious about your education.
5. Last is to follow up after submitting your application with the scholarship committee to make sure that your application has been received and is being considered.
Remember, every scholarship you apply for brings you one step closer to a brighter future for you and your family.
