Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund

• The nonprofit Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund helps state residents go back to school through partnerships with organizations in Arkansas' 70 counties. Nearly one-quarter of Arkansas families "are led by women with no husband or father in the home," and just under half of these families live below the federal poverty level. Applicants must meet certain income requirements and be custodial parents of one or more children under age 18. Those previously earning a college degree are ineligible. The distribution amount for scholarships depends on how many single parents "live at or below 130 percent of poverty in each county."
  
  

Women's Independence Scholarship Program

• Women suffering from a history of domestic abuse may qualify for the Women's Independence Scholarship Program for undergraduate studies. Funds for graduate school may be available on a limited basis. The program's primary goal is to "help single mothers with young children who have the greatest financial challenges." Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents and separated from the abusive partner for at least a year and participated in domestic violence counseling services for at least six months. Awards range from $250 to $2,000.
  
  

Mary Jane Young Undergraduate Scholarship for Re-Entry Women

• Single mothers 25 and over attending Minnesota State University at Mankato full-time may apply for the Mary Jane Young Undergraduate Scholarship for Re-Entry Women. Applicants must have custody of their children for eligibility. For 2010, these scholarships paid $1,500. Students must submit two letters of recommendation, a copy of an unofficial college transcript, and complete an essay citing future goals, reasons for going back to school, and how the scholarship will help them realize their ambitions.
  
  

Displaced Homemaker Scholarships

• These scholarships, worth $1,500 in 2011, help displaced American Indian homemakers go back to school. Funds are given directly to the institution of higher learning. Sponsored by the Association on American Indian Affairs, applicants must submit a monthly and family budget for consideration. Recipients may use scholarship money for tuition, transportation, child care and certain expenses for basic living. Scholarship recipients must re-apply each year depending on satisfactory school progress to continue to receive funds.