Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students: Opportunities for Adult Learners
Non-traditional students—those who are returning to education after a significant gap, changing careers, or balancing school with family and work responsibilities—face unique challenges when pursuing higher education. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships specifically designed to support these students. This guide explores the opportunities available for adult learners, including types of scholarships, eligibility criteria, application tips, and examples of prominent scholarships.
#### Understanding Non-Traditional Students
Non-traditional students often differ from traditional students in several ways:
- **Age**: Often older than traditional college students, usually 25 and above.
- **Employment**: Frequently employed full-time or part-time while attending school.
- **Family Responsibilities**: Many have dependents or family obligations.
- **Educational Background**: May have delayed enrollment in postsecondary education or are returning to complete a degree.
These factors can make balancing education with other responsibilities challenging, which is why targeted financial support is crucial.
#### Types of Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students
1. **General Non-Traditional Student Scholarships**
- Open to a wide range of adult learners, regardless of their specific circumstances.
2. **Career-Specific Scholarships**
- Targeted at students pursuing specific careers or degrees, often in high-demand fields like nursing, education, or technology.
3. **Employer-Sponsored Scholarships**
- Provided by companies to their employees who are seeking to further their education.
4. **Institutional Scholarships**
- Offered by colleges and universities to attract and support non-traditional students.
5. **Professional Association Scholarships**
- Awarded by professional organizations to members or those pursuing careers in that field.
6. **Need-Based Scholarships**
- Based on financial need, aimed at helping students who might not otherwise be able to afford higher education.
#### Examples of Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students
1. **Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation for Low-Income Women and Children**
- **Eligibility**: Low-income women with children who are pursuing education or training.
- **Award Amount**: Up to $5,000.
- **Application Process**: Complete an application, including personal statements and financial information.
2. **Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship**
- **Eligibility**: Non-traditional students facing economic, social, or physical challenges who are seeking education.
- **Award Amount**: Varies by chapter.
- **Application Process**: Apply through local Executive Women International (EWI) chapters.
3. **Return2College Scholarship Program**
- **Eligibility**: Adults returning to college, including those changing careers or seeking advanced degrees.
- **Award Amount**: $1,000.
- **Application Process**: Submit a short essay on why you are returning to school and how it will impact your future.
4. **Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund**
- **Eligibility**: Low-income women, age 35 and older, pursuing a technical or vocational education, associate’s degree, or first bachelor’s degree.
- **Award Amount**: Varies.
- **Application Process**: Complete an application, including essays and financial documentation.
5. **Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarships**
- **Eligibility**: Non-traditional students who are members of Alpha Sigma Lambda, a national honor society for adult learners.
- **Award Amount**: Up to $3,000.
- **Application Process**: Submit an application, including transcripts, recommendations, and a personal statement.
6. **Imagine America Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP)**
- **Eligibility**: Adults 19 years or older enrolling in a participating career college.
- **Award Amount**: Up to $1,000.
- **Application Process**: Apply online through the Imagine America Foundation’s website.
7. **American Association of University Women (AAUW) Career Development Grants**
- **Eligibility**: Women pursuing a career change, advancement, or return to the workforce.
- **Award Amount**: $2,000 to $12,000.
- **Application Process**: Complete an online application, including an essay and letters of recommendation.
8. **Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards**
- **Eligibility**: Women with primary financial responsibility for themselves and their dependents, attending an undergraduate degree program or vocational skills training program.
- **Award Amount**: Up to $16,000.
- **Application Process**: Submit an application, including personal statements and recommendations.
#### Tips for Applying for Scholarships
1. **Start Early**
- Research and start the application process well before the deadlines to ensure you have ample time to gather necessary documents and craft strong essays.
2. **Highlight Your Unique Story**
- Use your personal statement to tell your unique story, emphasizing the challenges you’ve overcome, your goals, and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
3. **Gather Strong Recommendations**
- Request letters of recommendation from employers, professors, or community leaders who can attest to your dedication, work ethic, and potential for success.
4. **Ensure Financial Need Documentation is Accurate**
- Provide accurate and complete financial information if applying for need-based scholarships to demonstrate your financial need.
5. **Leverage College Resources**
- Utilize resources offered by your college’s financial aid office, such as workshops on scholarship applications and financial planning advice.
6. **Explore Multiple Scholarships**
- Apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of receiving financial aid. Don’t limit yourself to just one or two applications.
7. **Stay Organized**
- Keep track of application deadlines, required documents, and submission dates using a calendar or spreadsheet.
#### Conclusion
Non-traditional students face unique challenges in pursuing higher education, but numerous scholarships are designed to support adult learners in achieving their academic and career goals. By understanding the types of scholarships available, diligently preparing application materials, and leveraging available resources, non-traditional students can secure the financial support they need to succeed in their educational endeavors. Starting early, telling a compelling personal story, and applying to multiple opportunities can significantly increase the likelihood of receiving scholarship funds.
