Returning to school as an adult can be an exciting and transformative experience. Whether you’re aiming to earn a degree, switch careers, or further your education, financial support is often a key factor in making that dream a reality. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships available specifically for adult learners that can help fund your education journey.

Why Adult Learners Should Explore Scholarships

As an adult, you may have financial obligations or other responsibilities that make returning to school seem daunting. Scholarships for adult learners are designed to make education more accessible by easing the financial burden. These scholarships are available for a range of educational levels, from undergraduate programs to professional development courses, and they can be a valuable tool in achieving your academic and career goals.

1. The Returning Adult Student Scholarship

Many universities and colleges offer scholarships specifically for returning adult students. These scholarships recognize the unique challenges faced by adult learners and provide funding to help ease the transition back into academics. Be sure to check with the admissions or financial aid office at the institution you’re interested in to see if they offer any opportunities.

2. The AARP Foundation Women’s Scholarship

For women over the age of 50, the AARP Foundation offers scholarships to help pay for education, including community college and vocational training programs. This scholarship is geared toward helping older women who may be re-entering the workforce or pursuing further career training.

3. The Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship

The ASIST Scholarship, sponsored by the Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund, provides financial aid for low-income women over 35 who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree. The scholarship aims to help women who are facing economic hardship and striving to create a better future for themselves and their families.

4. The Baccalaureate Scholarship for Adults

Offered by many universities and colleges, the Baccalaureate Scholarship for Adults is intended for students who are 25 years or older and are seeking a degree at the undergraduate level. This scholarship often has fewer restrictions compared to traditional scholarships, making it an excellent option for adult learners.

5. The National Association for Adult and Continuing Education (NAACE) Scholarships

NAACE provides various scholarships aimed at adult learners who wish to pursue higher education or professional development courses. These scholarships are ideal for individuals who want to enhance their skills or change careers but need financial assistance to do so.

6. The David and Dorris Garvey Scholarship

This scholarship is designed for adult students pursuing degrees in education, healthcare, or business fields. The David and Dorris Garvey Scholarship is particularly useful for students who are looking to switch careers and need financial assistance to gain new skills in a growing field.

7. The Fastweb Scholarship Database

One of the largest scholarship search databases available, Fastweb allows adult learners to filter search results based on their specific needs, including age, program type, and career goals. It’s an excellent tool for finding scholarships that are perfect for you, whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree or a professional certification.

How to Find More Scholarships for Adults

In addition to these specific scholarships, it’s important to take advantage of scholarship search websites and resources that can help you find more opportunities. Websites like Scholarships.com, Niche, and Cappex allow you to search for scholarships by specific criteria like age, field of study, and financial need.

Also, check with professional organizations related to your field of interest. Many professional associations offer scholarships or grants to adult learners looking to advance their careers or gain specialized knowledge.

Tips for Adult Learners Applying for Scholarships

1. Start early: Scholarship deadlines can be competitive, and the application process may require gathering documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, or personal statements. The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to put together a strong application.
2. Be honest and detailed in your essays: Many scholarships require an essay as part of the application. Take this opportunity to share your story, explain why you’re pursuing your education, and describe how the scholarship will help you reach your goals.
3. Stay organized: Keep track of all the scholarships you’ve applied for, their deadlines, and any required materials. Consider creating a spreadsheet or using an app to stay organized.
4. Don’t be discouraged by rejection: Applying for scholarships can be competitive, but don’t let rejection discourage you. Keep applying to as many scholarships as possible, and you’ll increase your chances of securing funding.

Conclusion

Whether you’re returning to school after years in the workforce or looking to expand your skill set, scholarships for adult learners can make your educational journey much more affordable. By exploring the options available to you, researching different funding sources, and applying with care, you can unlock the resources you need to achieve your educational goals and take the next step in your career.