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Scholarships for Non Traditional Students

University of Wisconsin at Madison

Grant Name: Several grants at UW Madison target adult and nontraditional students.

Award Value: Varies by specific program.

Eligibility: There is a selection of more than ten scholarships available based upon college major. These include institutional grants for adult students pursuing business, education, engineering, environmental studies and nursing. Grants are awarded based on a combination of need and demonstrated academic potential.

Special Factors: None.

Applying: Students apply directly to the relevant school department and must maintain their eligibility on an annual basis. The specific details for applying change based upon the student's major and the grant they select. Details for all of the nontraditional student grants and scholarships can be found at the link listed below.

Important Links: Grant Homepage

Tennessee Government

Grant Name: Tennessee HOPE Scholarship for Nontraditional Students

Award Value: Varies based on eligibility factors.

Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in a qualifying institution in the state of Tennessee and must be aged 25 or older. Grant is partially income-based and students must not have an income exceeding $36,000. If the student is married, spousal income will also be considered when handling this requirement. Students receiving the HOPE Scholarship must also maintain a GPA of no less than 2.75 during regular checks.

tennessee scholarships

Special Factors: None.

Applying: Nontraditional students wishing to apply for a Tennessee HOPE Scholarship must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online. The FAFSA form is provided and administered by the U.S. Department of Education in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service. It is used to determine the level of financial aid need for all students who receive federal and certain state grants, scholarships and loans.

Important Links:

AARP

Grant Name: AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program

Award Value: Varies based on eligibility factors. Award can range from $500 to $5,000 per year. The exact amount depends on both the applicant's demonstrated financial need and the cost of the degree or training program she is enrolled in.

Eligibility: Low-income women who are aged 50 or older by the date of their application are invited to apply. Awardees must pursue a technical, associate's or bachelor's degree within six months of the award date. Personal assets and income must equal no more than 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which are available on the scholarship website.

Special Factors: Applicants receive preferential consideration if they are disadvantaged in certain specific ways. Applicants who have been unemployed for more than one year, who are in a low-paying job with few opportunities for advancement, who are veterans or who are raising children from another family member may get special attention.

Applying: Applicants must complete an extremely detailed application and questionnaire that inventories educational and work background. In addition, applicants will answer several detailed essay questions about hardships and difficulties they have faced. All aspects of the application are taken into consideration equally.

Also Consider: Jeanette Rankin Foundation Scholarship, P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education.

Important Links:

Altrusia International of Grand Rapids

Grant Name: Altrusia International of Grand Rapids Scholarship

Award Value: Varies based on financial need.

Eligibility: Applicant must meet residence requirements in Kent, Allegan, Ionia, Ottawa, Montcalm or Muskegon Counties in the state of Michigan. While there is no specific age requirement, he or she must have waited at least 24 months after high school graduation or GED acquisition before entering college in order to be considered a "non-traditional returning student."

Special Factors: None.

Applying: Applicants complete a questionnaire online at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation website. A full application packet will require some supplemental documents. These include demonstration of financial need and two letters of recommendation. Letters can come from former teachers, professors or work supervisors. Deadlines are in March; specific dates vary by year.

Important Links: Full List of Grand Rapids Scholarships

American Legion Auxiliary

Grant Name: American Legion Auxiliary Non-Traditional Student Scholarship

Award Value: One scholarship of $1,000 is awarded per geographic division each calendar year. In order to receive additional awards in the same amount, applicants must reapply. Each application competes against all others in the division.

Eligibility: Applicant must be a member of the American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion in good standing for the previous two years. Applicant may apply to any two-year or four-year university or an approved trade, technical, professional or certification program. No specific age requirement is given for the scholarship.

Special Factors: Judging of the award is very specific, with 25% of the decision going to each of these factors: 1) Need 2) Academic achievement 3) Character/leadership and 4) Initiative/goals. The last two factors are probed in detail on the application form.

Applying: Prospective award winners must fill out an application on the American Legion Auxiliary website. In addition to information about education and finances, the application requires several detailed essay responses about the student's future plans. Applications must be submitted by March 1 to be considered.

Important Links: Scholarship Overview

Jeanette Rankin Foundation

Grant Name: Jeanette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fundscholarships

Award Value: Varies based on financial need.

Eligibility: Applicant must be a woman aged 35 or older pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree or a vocational or technical education. She must also meet income guidelines. Net income for a single individual cannot exceed $14,182 per year; income allowance rises with size of household. Full details are provided on the scholarship site.

Special Factors: None.

Applying: An application is provided on the foundation website. Applications are accepted beginning November 1 each year and must be received by March 1 the following year. The application form is not available throughout the rest of the year.

Also Consider: AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program, P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education.

Important Links: Scholarship Website

The P.E.O. Sisterhood

Grant Name: P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education

Award Value: Maximum of $3,000, with smaller awards possible.

Eligibility: An applicant must be sponsored by a chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood after spending at least 24 months as a non-student at some point in her life. The applicant must be a citizen of the United States or Canada, studying in the United States or Canada, and within two years -- 24 months -- of completing her educational goal.

Special Factors: Since students must be within 24 months of completing their educational plan, this grant is generally used for two-year degree programs. However, an applicant can apply in the middle of her four-year degree program as long as she has 24 months of coursework remaining or less. Doctoral degree students are not eligible.

Applying: Application paperwork is only available to P.E.O. Sisterhood members, since it is kept in a members-only area on the website. Applicants must be sponsored by a chapter to be considered, and a chapter member will be able to provide the paperwork required for the award. Consult with a local P.E.O. Sisterhood for further information.

Also Consider: AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program, Jeanette Rankin Foundation Scholarship.

Important Links: Scholarship Website

Soroptimist

Grant Name: Women's Opportunity Award

Award Value: Varies based on need and educational expenses.

Eligibility: Applicant must be a non-traditional female student who provides the main means of financial support for her family. The prospective award winner must be enrolled in or have been accepted to a vocational or undergraduate degree program and have demonstrated financial need. Two references are required.

Special Factors: The program website specifies that many applicants have been victims of poverty, domestic violence, drug or alcohol abuse or other serious hardships. Award preference may be given to women with these or other severe disadvantages.

Applying: Application form can be filled out online and must be submitted to the foundation's postal address by December 1 each year. Application includes questions on career goals and a personal statement of 750 words or less. Other questions concern financial outlook and basic information like address. Two references are required.

Also Consider: Jeanette Rankin Foundation Scholarship, P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education, AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program, Adult Students in Scholastic Transition Scholarship.

Important Links:

Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation

Grant Name: Education Support Award

Award Value: Varies by year; in 2012, up to $2,000 per award.

Eligibility: Applicant must be a mother with minor children. The applicant can be enrolled in any kind of academic or vocational program, including a skills training program, ESL, GED, technical degree, associate's, bachelor's, master's, professional or doctoral degree. Applications are due by August 1 each year.

Special Factors: This is one of the only non-traditional grant awards that provides money for students who are enrolled in a non-degree skills training program. Likewise, it is also one of the only programs providing funds for applicants in a graduate degree program, including master's, professional and doctoral.

Applying: The application process is unusually detailed, requiring several long essay responses about the applicant's background and goals. Two references are required. Applicants should be prepared to describe the program they are enrolling in, how the program meets their personal goals and what they wish to achieve on the long term.

Important Links:

Executive Women International

Grant Name: Adult Students in Scholastic Transition Scholarshipbusiness scholarships

Award Value: Ranges from $2,000 - $10,000.

Eligibility: Open to adults of either sex who are pursuing educational advancement in spite of economic, social or physical challenges.

Special Factors: Enhanced consideration is offered to applicants of either gender who are responsible for small children. This can include direct care as well as child support and similar arrangements. Disabled applicants are also encouraged to apply.

Applying: Prospective winners are required to fill out an application form and obtain the sponsorship of a participating chapter of EWI. Participating chapters are centered around major metropolitan areas throughout the U.S. Two letters of reference are required: One must be from an employer or teacher, while the other may be from a religious or volunteer associate. All references must come from non-relatives.

Important Links: Scholarship Overview

American Indian Services

Grant Name: American Indian Services Scholarship

Award Value: Varies according to application factors.

Eligibility: Student must be currently enrolled in a technical, vocational or undergraduate program with a standing GPA of at least 2.25 and have at least one quarter northern Native American ancestry. Students who achieve 160 course credits or more toward their degree lose their eligibility for further awards at that time.

Special Factors: None.

Applying: A detailed application form is available online. The entire process can be completed through the American Indian Services website. Potential winners may be contacted by the organization to verify details of their application, including their Native American heritage status, and should be in contact with their relatives or Native American community to help provide information. Copies of the applicant's Certificate of Indian Blood or similar documentation may be requested.

Also Consider: Association on American Indian Affairs Scholarship.

Important Links: Application Form and Guidelines

Walmart Foundation

Grant Name: Walmart Associate Scholarship

Award Value: Varies according to the enrollment status of the prospective winner, including the type of program they are in and the number of credits they are enrolled for per semester. The minimum award available is $500 per award period for winners who are enrolled in a community college or certificate program. The maximum award is $1,500 per award period for a winner enrolled at a four-year university for 12 or more credits.

Eligibility: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident who has worked at Walmart part-time or full-time for six months or more. Applicant must have graduated high school or achieved a GED before application, but can be of any age. Financial need is also a factor as determined by criteria developed by Walmart.

Special Factors: Even after winning a grant from the Walmart Foundation, winners may lose their eligibility if they are no longer employed at least part-time at Walmart. Winners must be employed throughout their scholarship period to receive money.

Applying: There are five application deadlines throughout the year. The entire application process is managed online. It is thorough, but very user-friendly. The application includes an eligibility quiz that prevents any website visitors from applying in error.

Important Links:

Association on American Indian Affairs

Grant Name: AAIA Scholarship

Award Value: Varies by year.

Eligibility: Prospective grant winners should check the Association website in February for specific deadline information, since this can vary from year to year. Applicants must be enrolled within their Native American tribe and must be of at least 1/4 Native ancestry in a tribe within the continental United States. Hawaii, Pacific Island, and Alaska natives are not eligible at the time of this writing. Applicants must be enrolled in an associate's degree program or higher -- technical and vocational programs are not accepted.

Special Factors: In addition to being enrolled in their tribe, applicants should have a copy of their official Certificate of Indian Blood. This form is required as a final verification step for applicants who have been provisionally selected to receive funds. Applicants who are not enrolled in their tribe and who do not have a "CIB" form may be unable to collect their funds even if they are provisionally selected.

Applying: Detailed application must include a variety of documentation pertaining to Native American heritage status as well as essay responses and other basic information. See the links below for further information.

Also Consider: American Indian Services Scholarship

Important Links:

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

Grant Name: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

Award Value: Up to $30,000 per year to 50 qualified applicants each year. Varies by individual according to expected costs and the value of other scholarships and grants that the student has received that year.

Eligibility: Students of any age, including non-traditional students, are invited to apply for the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship if they have successfully completed two years of study at a community college and intend to transfer to a four-year university in order to finish their undergraduate studies.

Special Factors: The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is one of the largest grants available to non-traditional students. With a value of up to $30,000 per year, it is intended to cover a substantial portion of tuition, living expenses, books and fees for up to three years after the student completes community college coursework.

Applying: Students must be nominated by a Jack Kent Cooke faculty representative at their two-year institution. Nominations are highly competitive; each institution may only nominate up to four students per year. Applications are judged by "distinguished university faculty and admissions professionals" based on factors including "academic achievement and critical thinking ability, financial need, will to succeed and breadth of interest and activities."

Important Links: Scholarship Homepage

The Scholarship Workshop

Grant Name: The Ragins/Braswell National Scholarship

Award Value: Varies. Generally valued in the low hundreds.

Eligibility: Students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate institution or who have been accepted to attend a graduate or undergraduate institution in the next semester after the application deadline are eligible regardless of age. Prospective grant winners must have attended a Scholarship Workshop presentation on winning grant funds any time between April 30th of the previous year and April 30th of the current year.

Special Factors: None.

Applying: Applications are delivered to students during the workshop or presentation.

Important Links: Scholarship Programs Overview

The Scholarship Workshop

Grant Name: Leading The Future II Scholarship

Award Value: Varies. Generally valued in the low hundreds.

Eligibility: U.S. residents who are current undergraduate students or who are planning to attend an undergraduate institution in the next semester after the application deadline are eligible regardless of age.

Special Factors: Prospective grant winners should apply to the Leading The Future II Scholarship as early as possible; only the first 500 eligible applications each year will be processed by The Scholarship Workshop. All applications beyond the first 500 will be discarded without consideration. No reply will be received for those applications.

Applying: The application package includes an essay, completed application form, description of extracurricular activities, achievements, community involvement and leadership potential. The package must be received by The Scholarship Workshop by March 1st of each calendar year to be considered.

Important Links: Scholarship Programs Overview

Talbots

Grant Name: Talbots Foundation Scholarship Program

Award Value: Seventeen students each year will receive $10,000. One student per year will receive $30,000 on the basis of "courage, conviction and an insatiable entrepreneurial spirit." Awards have been granted to students ranging in age from their twenties to their sixties, and more than 600 awards have been provided since 1997.

Eligibility: Available to female students residing in the United States or Canada who earned their high school diploma or GED ten years ago or earlier. The student must be enrolled or plan to be enrolled in a two-year or four-year undergraduate program, either full-time or part-time, when the award money is disbursed. The winner must have at least two semesters of coursework remaining, defined as 24 credit hours or more.

Special Factors: Applicants are advised to review the information Talbots provides about its scholarship judging panel and to bear in mind the experiences and perspectives of the judges when filling out an application. An entrepreneurial spirit is rated highly when competing for the Talbots Foundation Scholarship Program.

Applying: The application is completed online and is only available during the annual application window. Would-be applications should visit the Talbots Foundation site in April of each year to receive updated application and deadline information.

Also Consider: Jeanette Rankin Foundation Scholarship, P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education, AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program, Adult Students in Scholastic Transition Scholarship.

Important Links:

Royal Neighbors of America

Grant Name: Life Enrichment Scholarship.

Award Value: Five grants of up to $500 are offered annually.

Eligibility: Applicants must be "beneficial members" of Royal Neighbors of America to qualify for any Royal Neighbors of America scholarship program. Royal Neighbors is a U.S.-based nationwide insurance organization that focuses on providing help to women.

Special Factors: The Life Enrichment Scholarship is intended for high school graduates of any age who are pursuing a short-term education program. Students must be preparing for "semi-professional" roles in fields related to business or industry. Students who are pursuing two-year or four-year university programs should see information on the Royal Neighbors New Horizons Scholarship below.

Applying: Applications are managed online and are only available during the review period each year. The application goes online on September 1st every calendar year for an award disbursement in the following year.

Important Links: Overview and Application

Royal Neighbors of America

Grant Name: New Horizons Scholarship

Award Value: Ten grants of up to $5,000 are awarded annually.

Eligibility: Applicants must be "beneficial members" of Royal Neighbors of America to qualify for any Royal Neighbors of America scholarship program. Unlike the Life Enrichment Scholarship, this grant is available only to students who are enrolled or planning to enroll in a university degree program at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Special Factors: None.

Applying: Applications are managed online and are only available during the review period each year. The application goes online on September 1st each calendar year for an award disbursement the in following year.

Also Consider: Jeanette Rankin Foundation Scholarship, P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education, AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program, Adult Students in Scholastic Transition Scholarship.

Important Links: Overview and Application