Expert: Les Thomas - 10/10/2011

Question
Hi, I'm a single mom age 33 and a student.  I work full time and carry 6 credits/semester.  My problem is, working 40 hours a week and caring for two children leaves me very little time to do my homework.  I would like to quit my job and go to school full time, but don't know how to pay my bills without job earnings.  I'm already getting free school via FAFSA, but is there any way a single mom can go to school and get the money she needs for bills without having to hold down a job?  Thank you.

Answer
Jane,

Thanks for asking a great question.  Many mom's, unfortunately, fall into the same situation you are in.

The answer is... it depends.

I know there are private foundations that may participate in helping you, but you'll have to scan the Internet to find the ones that may be available in your area of the country.

Here are a couple I just happened to find:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Scholarship-For-Mothers-Program---Private-Foundations-

www.singlemom.com/EducationAndCareer/EducationAndCareerFinancialAidAndScholarships.aspx

Another choice may be... If you are fortunate enough to be working for a company, or employer - who may participate in your "cost of college".  In other words... they would provide on going monetary support, based on your continued, and contractual employment with them once you have graduated.  I have heard of some people taking a leave of absence to finish college, and their employer paying some sort of stipend during that transition.  However, it really depends on the employer.

The other choice would be to contact your State Welfare system, and see if they have any specific programs that offer assistance to mom's who are in your situation, perhaps making your request a possibility.  Each State, however - varies on their programs.

Other than that... I don't know of any other solutions other than family or friends contributing to help until graduation.

I certainly wish I had better solutions for you... but take a look on the Internet, and see if you can find any private foundation that may help.  If you got a little from one of them, a little from your employer, and perhaps a little from family, and/or friends... who knows - it may just be a do-able thing.

All the best... and good luck

Les