Research shows women are disproportionately at risk of having insufficient funds in the second half of their lives due to lower earning and different work patterns. The AARP Foundation created the Women’s Scholarship Program in August 2007 to help women 40+ overcome financial and employment barriers by allowing them to participate in education and training opportunities they could otherwise not afford. In 2010, 125 women from all across the country have been awarded more than $450,000 in educational scholarships.
Priority is given to women in three categories:
* Those who are raising the children of another family member;
* Those in low-paying jobs with no career opportunities and who are missing either a retirement benefit and/or health insurance; and
* Those who have been out of the workforce for more than five years.
Scholarships may be used for any course of study at an accredited public or private school, including community colleges, four-year universities, and technical schools. Funds are payable to the institution and may be used to pay for tuition, fees, and books.
Scholarship winners are annually chosen by an independent selection committee established by the AARP Foundation. They are chosen on the basis of financial need, personal circumstances and achievements, educational goals, and the likely impact of the scholarship on their lives and their families and communities.
Awards have been made for 2010. We encourage those interested in applying for a 2011 scholarship, to email us at ScholarshipsforWomen@aarp.org in late Fall for updates and instructions about next year’s application cycle.
AARP Foundation – Women’s Scholarship Program
More information here.
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