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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. |
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