There are many financial aid options available to pregnant students and single moms who are excited to continue their college education. If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy while in college, you might be wondering if you can afford to continue higher education. The good news is that with tuition assistance and other financial aid programs, if you want to finish your degree - you can! Learn more about scholarships, tuition assistance, FAFSA, charitable organizations, government programs, and other ways to reduce both cost of tuition and cost of living.
Financial Aid for Pregnant Students & Single Moms There are organizations and financial aid programs exclusively dedicated to helping pregnant students and single mothers graduate from college. This means that if you’re a mom in school, you have access to scholarships just for mothers and financial assistance opportunities that go way beyond tuition. A mother’s education level can have a significant impact on her and her family’s happiness and safety. College degrees can positively affect level of income, job security, emotional and mental wellbeing, the lifelong health of a mother and her children, and more. Many people recognize the positive influence of higher education on women, and they want to help moms chase their educational dreams. Our team at The Avi Project provides students with tuition assistance and financial stability, but there are many complementary programs worth exploring as well. Scholarships for Pregnant Students One type of financial aid available for pregnant students and moms in school is the scholarship. These scholarships are specifically for mothers, single parents, and women who are financially supporting their families. There are dozens more scholarships out there - and new ones all the time - so please reach out to our team (720-386-6009) if you’d like help finding more opportunities. Scholarships 4 Moms This program was created by moms, for moms. They understand the importance of financial security for pregnant students in college. Scholarships 4 Moms gives away scholarships of up to $10,000 several times a year. Winners may use the scholarship at any school of their choice, and may choose to view additional offers from schools if interested. Live Your Dream Live Your Dream Awards, which are funded through Soroptomist, are gifted to women who are the primary financial support for their families. Recipients are frequently women who have faced unexpected teen pregnancy, poverty, addiction, assault, violence, or trafficking. Awards may amount up to $16,000, and may be applied to a variety of costs - not just tuition. Patsy Mink Scholarship for Low-Income Women Moms pursuing their first degree may apply to the Patsy Mink Scholarship. Awards are up to $5000 each, and awardees are selected based on several factors, including financial need and vocational goals. Single Parent Scholarship in Colorado Single parents studying at either Aims Community College or the University of Northern Colorado are welcome to apply for a scholarship. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. If you currently have scholarships, you might be wondering if you could lose them. It depends on the terms and conditions of your particular scholarship, but there are many protections for pregnant students under Title IX. Tuition Assistance for College Students Make sure you’ve explored the general financial aid options that are available to all eligible college students. These include federal student financial aid and Pell Grants, state student financial aid, tuition reimbursement and assistance programs from employers, and student work-study positions. To apply for federal student financial aid, Pell Grants, and state grants, you’ll need to fill out the FAFSA. Ask your student financial aid office or academic advisor about the FAFSA, and consider using an online resource that guides you through the process of filling out the forms. You may have one of these common questions about the FAFSA:
Food, Medical & Housing Financial Assistance Tuition might be the first cost that comes to mind when you think about college, but reducing your cost of living can also make it easier to fund a college education. Even students need to eat, see doctors, and have a safe place to live! Consider taking advantage of additional financial assistance from charitable organizations and government programs. The Avi Project The Avi Project helps pregnant students cover the costs of tuition, medical care, housing, counseling, food, and more. If you’re facing financial uncertainty, call or text us at 720-386-6009 to learn more about the resources available to you. It’s confidential and commitment-free. We believe that meeting your financial needs is important, and we want to help. Government Programs Government programs that you may qualify for as a pregnant college student include:
We work with pregnant college students every day, so we know how heavily financial worries can weigh on a woman in this situation. At The Avi Project, we believe that students facing unplanned pregnancy shouldn’t have to throw away their educational goals or their career plans. You deserve financial security and a bright future. Please call or text us at (720) 386-6009 if you have questions about scholarships, grants, housing assistance, or other financial aid opportunities.
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If you become unexpectedly pregnant in college, should you take a semester off of school? The answer depends on your unique situation and personal preferences. You should consider your health, emotional well-being, support system, and academic goals when making this decision. Some women may want to take a semester away from college, and other women find that reasonable accommodations provide plenty of flexibility.
It’s normal to worry about your future. It’s normal to worry about your academic goals and professional career. Let’s talk about how to stay on track. First, if you’re wondering whether you should take a semester off of college, talk to your academic advisor. You won’t be the first student to ask this question, or the last! Your professors and academic advisors have worked with students in similar situations before, and they probably have suggestions for the best course of action based on their experience. Consider asking your professor whether they would agree to let you complete coursework early or work on a modified schedule. If the administrative staff or your professors agree to accommodate you, be sure to get it in writing. Usually a follow-up email is an easy way to do this. If you have a scholarship or are receiving financial aid, it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions. Check whether there’s a requirement for the minimum amount of credits you have to take each semester. Also find out if there’s a minimum GPA requirement, and see if you have wiggle room. Specific degrees and programs may have unique requirements as well:
Your health will play a large role in making this decision as well:
Luckily, there are several ways to strategize your school schedule. You could register for classes, and take note of the final withdrawal deadline just in case you change your mind. You could take classes part-time to give yourself more time for other obligations, but also keep the momentum going. Many expectant mothers do courses online instead of in-person to save time on commuting and to have more flexibility for doctor’s appointments, work schedules, or getting extra rest. You also have a right to reasonable accommodations. Title IX is a federal law that protects pregnant students from discrimination. According to Title IX, pregnancy should be given the same allowances and accommodations as any other medical condition. This may include extensions for medical reasons, maternity leave, and even flexibility in cases of early labor. If you believe you are facing discrimination due to your pregnancy, you should report it to your college's Title IX coordinator or designated official. Deciding whether to take a semester away from school is difficult to do. Uncertainty makes it hard to plan your future and can cause a lot of anxiety. But remember that there are many, many moms who have gone through the same thing, and you don’t have to drop out of college if you don’t want to. The best thing you can do for yourself is to make sure you have a solid support system to help you through these decisions and be there for you on the other side of them. There are so many organizations and programs that are dedicated to helping moms stay in school, graduate, and pursue the career of their dreams. If you’re unexpectedly pregnant in college and not sure what to do, our compassionate team is available 24/7 to talk with you. It’s completely free and confidential, with no obligation. Our mission is to take the fear out of college pregnancy. Call or text us today at 720-386-6009, so we can talk about how to get you the emotional, physical, and financial support you need. There aren’t many things as nerve-wracking as telling your parents you’re pregnant when you’re a college student. Sometimes, just starting the conversation is the hardest part.
You might be embarrassed to say it out loud. “Mom, dad, I’m pregnant.” You might be scared of how your parents will react. Will they be angry? Will they still accept me? Will they be disappointed in me? You might even be worried about financial repercussions. Will my parents stop helping me with tuition? How will I pay for room and board without my parents’ help? No matter how nervous you are, you can get through this. We help young women work through situations just like this, and we have some tips on how to handle these difficult conversations. Here’s your guide to telling your parents you’re unexpectedly pregnant. Take care of yourself first. Give yourself some time to process this news on your own. Trying to tell your parents you’re pregnant an hour after you found out probably won’t lead to a calm, constructive conversation. This news can be a major shock, and it’s ok if you want to take a few days to let it sink in. It can be very helpful to schedule an appointment with your doctor to make sure you are pregnant, and have a discussion with a medical professional before getting family members involved. They may want to do a blood test or an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy. While you wait for your appointment, journaling might help you process this life-changing news. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Get your partner’s support. Once you’re able to, consider talking to your partner. If you’re comfortable talking to them about your pregnancy, it can be helpful to have their support when you tell your family the news. If you don’t feel safe talking to your partner, or you haven’t confirmed paternity yet, it can be helpful to talk to a sibling, a good friend, or a counselor first. Get ready for the big talk. When you’re ready to talk to your parents, find a good time to talk with them. It might feel like there will never be a good time to tell them you’re pregnant, but remember that you’ll probably feel a sense of relief when it’s over. It can take a lot of energy to keep something like this a secret, and your family might be more supportive than you expect. If you want to, practice telling your parents by telling a friend first. Think of what questions they might ask, and what you might want to say to them. They will probably want to know a few things:
If you begin to feel too anxious or overwhelmed, it might help to do some mindfulness exercises and refocus on the present. This can be as simple as doing box breaths: inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale for four counts, and hold for four counts. You will get through this! What to say to your parents. If you still feel lost for words, here are a few ideas for how to tell your parents you’re pregnant:
Don’t feel pressured to find the perfect words. There’s no perfect way to say this. Just be honest, do your best, and lean on your support system - no matter how your parents react. If you need to build up your support system, there are support groups, online forums, and even counseling available. There are many other students out there going through the same thing you are, and they will understand. No one has to go through this alone, and having a solid support system will help you feel empowered to navigate this chapter of your life. Make sure you also have a plan for ending the conversation if it’s too much. Your family might want to start making plans immediately, but making decisions when everyone is upset can make the situation worse. Let them know that you want to talk about it again soon, but for now, you have to step away. You might even tell them how you feel - that you’re at least as scared as they are. If you do need to cut the conversation short, it doesn’t mean you failed. It just means that this was big news that no one expected, and everyone has to process it in their own way. In a few days, your parents might be easier to talk to, and they might be more willing to help. What now? If you’re still unsure of how to move forward or how to break the news to your parents, please call or text us at any time. We’re available 24/7 at (720) 386-6009. It’s completely confidential, with no obligations, and it’s free. Our team has helped other students navigate this journey, and we want to help you too. We can also connect you with scholarships, housing, and other financial resources, so if you were relying on your parents for financial support, know that you have options. Navigating the college admissions process with a baby on the way? Let's dive into your concerns and answer some important questions. Facing an unplanned pregnancy is nerve-wracking, and so is starting college. Going through both of these challenges at the same time can cause some unique worries.
If you've been anticipating college and now find yourself unexpectedly pregnant, you're likely grappling with a bunch of questions. If you haven’t applied yet, you might wonder if you still should. Do colleges accept applications from pregnant students? And if you have already applied, you might wonder whether colleges can reject your application because of your pregnancy. Luckily, there are protections in place for pregnant students (and students-to-be) that prevent discrimination based on sex. Title IX is a US federal law that states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance[.]” Discrimination based on pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions would be discrimination based on sex. Can schools reject me because I’m pregnant? In most cases, it’s illegal to reject an application due to pregnancy, and it’s not something that students need to worry about. However, some private schools do not accept federal funding, and in those cases, they may not have to abide by Title IX. Some private schools are also affiliated with religious organizations and may have policies regarding pregnancy. If I already have an offer can they rescind it? Yes, colleges can revoke their offer. However, generally they cannot revoke their offers on the basis of pregnancy, as this would be a violation of Title IX law. Common reasons why schools may reject a student include:
Can I lose my scholarships because I got pregnant? We have good news! Pregnancy may qualify you for additional scholarships. There are many people and organizations who want to see moms pursue their educational dreams and build amazing careers, and they’re here to support you financially while you do it. In addition to qualifying you for scholarships specifically for mothers, pregnancy may also increase the amount of financial aid you’re eligible for. Be sure to reach out to your financial aid office to learn more. Can I live in dorms if I’m pregnant? Yes, you can live in dorms while you’re pregnant. Title IX protects your right to housing, and you cannot be discriminated against on the basis of sex. However, most students will be asked to find family-friendly housing after the birth of a child. If you attend a college that requires on-campus housing, you have some options. Your college may offer family-friendly housing on campus, or they may provide you with a waiver to allow you to live off-campus. What if I applied, but changed my mind about going to college? Can I defer? If you’re not ready to go to college yet, you can request a deferral. Becoming unexpectedly pregnant and starting college are both life-changing events. It’s ok if you want to handle one thing at a time. Usually students defer for a year or less, but there are exceptions for longer deferrals. The college can accept or deny a deferral request, and eligibility rules vary. They will ask about why you want to defer, so consider how best to answer the question. Can I go to college if I’m pregnant? Yes you can! You have many legal protections, and there are many opportunities for pregnant students to excel. Ultimately the decision is up to you. If you’re not sure what to do next, we might be able to help you make your college dreams come true! We don’t think that any woman facing an unplanned pregnancy should give up her hope for higher education. If you’re a student facing an unplanned pregnancy, please call or text us at (720) 386-6009 to learn more about your options and all of the support that’s available to you. Some women wonder how to feel happier about their unplanned pregnancy. It’s possible to get excited about your pregnancy - without pretending that you’re OK when you’re not.
Finding yourself unexpectedly pregnant can be a jarring experience, especially for college students. Facing an unplanned pregnancy is often a very emotional experience filled with surprise, fear, uncertainty, and many other difficult feelings. Even women who have decided to keep an unplanned pregnancy may struggle to fully accept the pregnancy and to navigate negative emotions, wondering - will I ever feel ok about this? Will I ever feel ok again? If you’re one of these women, you should know that there’s hope. But you should also know that you don’t have to feel excited about an unplanned pregnancy - and you don’t have to feel ashamed that you’re not happy about it. Taking the time to understand your feelings and to be honest with yourself about the difficulty of your situation can help you cope in a healthy way. If there’s a part of you that wishes you could be excited about your unplanned pregnancy, you should also know that it is possible. It may take time, and it may be a slow process, but eventually this anxiety and overwhelm will subside. As you create a plan for your future, build your support system, and ensure that you have access to all necessary medical care and financial assistance, you also make space to look forward to your future. The Avi Project can help you do that. We help college students facing unplanned pregnancies get the support they need - emotional, financial, medical, and so much more - so they can pursue their education and look forward to successful careers. To learn more about tuition assistance, housing, career counseling, access to licensed counselors, and other resources, just call or text us at 720-386-6009. One of our clients shared this about their own experience with The Avi Project: "Our baby was unplanned but I was given information about this wonderful organization called the Avi Project. I was hesitant about everything at first even if it seemed like I was really put together. The Avi Project helped me realize that people really do care and want the best for you! I have received nothing but support and praise throughout this entire process so far. Because of the Avi Project I am starting to feel more excited about my pregnancy than I am scared.” Please reach out today (720-386-6009) for confidential, no-obligation, 24/7 support. If you’re not ready to talk yet, here are a few tips to help you mindfully notice the positives when you’re feeling trapped by the negatives:
Wondering about being in a sorority while pregnant? Asking the question is a great first step! It’s very healthy to want to surround yourself with friends and a community that can offer you support during this time. It’s especially helpful to surround yourself with people who may be able to help encourage and support you in your academic life.
Everyone’s experience with pregnancy and sorority membership will vary depending on individual circumstances, the sorority’s culture, and the support network available. Whether you’re pregnant and currently in a sorority, or you’re considering joining one, there are a few things to keep in mind. You matter. Your well-being is of the utmost importance. Prioritize your health and seek the necessary medical advice and support during your pregnancy. Surrounding yourself with understanding friends can make a significant difference, especially in navigating the academic challenges that may arise. Commitment. Being part of a sorority can be a fulfilling experience, but it comes with its demands. The level of demand associated with being in a sorority can vary significantly based on the specific sorority, its policies, and the expectations of its members. Factors to consider include time commitment, financial obligations, social expectations, philanthropy and community service, leadership roles, and academic expectations. It’s crucial to assess whether these align with your personal priorities and ability to balance other commitments. Consider your energy levels during pregnancy, any challenges like morning sickness, and ensuring time for doctor's appointments. Be open and honest. While discussing your pregnancy may seem daunting, transparency is essential to building trust within the sorority. Some sororities may have a supportive community that rallies around members during challenging times. Others may have a less understanding environment. Speaking with sorority leadership is a positive step—they may provide resources and guidance tailored to your unique situation. Title IX. Sorority membership practices are usually exempt from Title IX law. While some sororities allow pregnant members and members with children, some may not. Sororities may have specific policies or guidelines regarding pregnancies. It's advisable to review the sorority's rules and communicate openly with sorority leaders about your situation. If you’re not in a sorority yet: For those considering rushing, it's vital to be aware that the first six to eight weeks of sorority membership can be extremely busy (and possibly expensive). Timing is key, and being informed can help you make the right decision for your circumstances. If you’re already in a sorority and just found out you’re pregnant, don’t panic! It’s best to find out if there are rules in the bylaws about pregnancy. Members who become pregnant may have the option to become alumni early and continue to engage with the group in a new capacity. Remember, there are also numerous alternatives to sororities. Academic or professional organizations, book clubs, service groups, and more can provide friendship, community, and connection. Explore options that align with your interests and goals, attend club fairs, and embrace diverse experiences to create a well-rounded college journey. If you’re a college student facing an unplanned pregnancy, you have options, and you don’t have to go through this alone. If you’re still feeling lost, please reach out to our team at any time of day or night. We’re available by call or text at 720-386-6009, and we want to help you access all the resources you need (including housing, tuition assistance, medical care, and more). You have the right to nurse or breast pump - as well as to the time, space, and privacy to do so. Find answers to your questions about where, when, and how to comfortably breast pump or nurse while attending college on campus.
Being a student mom might seem impossible sometimes, but we’re here to support you and show you that it can be done! Are there laws around breastfeeding support for students? Title IX, a federal law, prohibits discrimination based on sex. This includes discrimination based on pregnancy-related conditions such as lactation, breastfeeding, and breast pumping. Under Title IX, educational institutions that receive federal funding are required to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant and parenting students. This may include lactation support such as access to private and clean spaces for expressing breast milk, and reasonable break times to do so. Additionally, institutions may need to make accommodations with class scheduling to ensure that lactating students have the opportunity to express milk as needed. If I miss class to pump or breastfeed, could my grades drop? Pregnancy and related medical conditions are covered by Title IX federal law. If you’re penalized for missing class time or school work due to lactation, that may constitute illegal discrimination. Can I pump and/or breastfeed at college? Many college campuses are supportive of breastfeeding and pumping for nursing mothers. Colleges often have policies in place to accommodate the needs of breastfeeding students. It's a good idea to check with your college's Title IX, health services, or student affairs office to find out about the specific facilities and resources available for breastfeeding or pumping on campus. For students in Colorado, several colleges have lactation policies published online, including University of Denver, University of Northern Colorado, and University of Colorado. These policies frequently recognize that appropriate adjustments should be made to accommodate lactating students, and address common issues:
For any questions about the policy, or for questions that are not addressed in by the lactation policy, typically colleges will refer students to the Title IX coordinator for further information. Where can I pump breast milk on college campus? Here are some common places where you might find lactation rooms on a college campus:
If you're having trouble finding a suitable space for pumping or breastfeeding, consider contacting the campus health services, counseling center, or the office of student affairs. They can help ensure that you have a comfortable and supportive environment for pumping breast milk while on campus. What is a lactation room? Some colleges may provide lactation rooms, which offer privacy for breastfeeding and/or breast pumping. These rooms - they may also be booths or pods - offer a cleaner alternative to restrooms and locker rooms. What should I bring with me to the lactation room? This depends on your personal preferences and the specifics of the lactation room, but you may consider bringing:
Being a student mom is hard. We want to help make it easier. It’s important to note that breastfeeding is protected by law in many places, including on college campuses. If you're unsure where to breastfeed or encounter any challenges, consider reaching out to campus resources, such as health services or student affairs, for assistance. Are you a pregnant student experiencing an unplanned pregnancy? Are you wondering how you’re going to feed your baby and also stay in college? We can help you navigate this new chapter of life. We have many free resources available to you - including tuition assistance, career development counseling, and even housing. Call or text us today at (720) 386-6009 to learn more, or visit our pregnancy Help page. Can I lose my scholarship because I got pregnant?
Scholarship policies can vary widely depending on the organization offering them, so it’s important to consult the terms and conditions of your specific scholarship. Many scholarships are awarded based on academic performance or other criteria unrelated to personal life events, so becoming pregnant may not impact your scholarship. Becoming pregnant does not erase your excellent grades, compelling essays, athletic achievements, or any other qualifications that may have earned you a scholarship! Many institutions also have provisions for medical circumstances. Since Title IX protects students from discrimination based on sex, pregnancy-related medical conditions must be treated the same as any other illness, injury, or temporary disability. In regard to athletic scholarships, the NCAA states, “Once an athletics award has been made (typically for one-year) it cannot be withdrawn due to pregnancy, suspected pregnancy, parenthood or termination of pregnancy. As long as a student athlete remains in good standing academically and does not withdraw voluntarily, a pregnant student-athlete’s scholarship is protected from being reduced or withdrawn in a number of ways.” In addition, “Consistent with non-discrimination principles, a pregnant student-athlete is entitled to keep her scholarship under the same NCAA bylaws that allow an injured or ill student-athlete to keep receiving his or her award.”* Title IX and NCAA laws ensure that pregnant students have the same educational opportunities as any other student, including scholarship and financial aid opportunities. If a scholarship was revoked solely due to pregnancy, it would likely constitute unlawful discrimination. If you believe your scholarship is being unfairly impacted by your pregnancy, it’s important to speak with your college’s financial aid office or scholarship provider. As a pregnant student, you have many legal protections! If you’re a pregnant college student who’s worried about keeping your scholarship, staying in school, or navigating the uncharted journey ahead, we designed a program just for you. The Avi Project provides resources and support throughout this difficult time, and helps you create the bright future you deserve. Please call or text us at (720) 386-6009 to speak with one of our team members - we’re available 24/7. *From: A Review of Federal Law and NCAA Rules Impacting Treatment of Pregnant and Parenting Student-Athletes Over 2 million college-aged women find themselves in an unexpected pregnancy, and many also find themselves without the support of friends or family. Watch our new video, which tells the story of a young woman who found herself unexpectedly pregnant as a college freshman after a traumatic experience, including her shock at that first positive pregnancy test at 8 months, her relationship with the women who helped her through it all, and her courageous decision to choose adoption. It’s a beautiful adoption success story, told by the birth mother as well as the adoptive parents whose lives were changed forever by the gift of a child. At The Avi Project, we train female volunteers to walk alongside students like Emily who face unplanned pregnancy, and we focus solely on the college campus to provide the one-on-one support they need. If you’re a college student struggling with an unexpected pregnancy, Emily’s message to you is this: know that you’re brave, you’re strong, you’re going to be okay, and you are not alone. Consider calling or texting our team at 720-386-6009 to learn more about the financial, medical, and emotional support that’s available to you - we’re available any time of day or night, and it’s completely confidential and commitment-free. If you would like to support The Avi Project, we would be so grateful for your help in guiding clients through healthy pregnancies and planning for a hopeful future. Balancing coursework, exams, and assignments with the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy may seem daunting, but with the right support, it's entirely possible to thrive academically while pregnant. In this comprehensive guide, we share some tips for staying healthy, being comfortable, and succeeding academically while pregnant in college.
Mental Health Tips
Physical Health Tips
Succeeding in School
Staying Comfortable
Remember that your well-being and health, as well as that of your baby, should be your top priorities during this time. Don't hesitate to seek support from your college's resources, and be proactive in communicating with professors and seeking accommodations to help you succeed academically while managing your pregnancy. If you’re looking for support, resources, or just some positivity to help you through this challenging time, reach out to our team at The Avi Project. We offer confidential, commitment-free assistance 24/7 at (720) 386-6009. |
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