Education Assistance Available For Unemployed and Laid-Off Workers

marybabysteps — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:30:36 -0500

According to an article in U.S. News and World Report, there may be help for you to return to school if you're currently unemployed or laid off. The article points to efforts of the Obama administration to provide educational reforms for the unemployed, as well as help being given by charities, other government entities, and colleges themselves. This is good news for many in these uncertain economic times.

The U.S. News and World Report article gives several examples of programs across the country that are offering students free tuition, scholarships, and flexible options for the unemployed. For example, in my home state of Pennsylvania, Bucks County Community College is offering up to 30 credits for free, and the Community College of Allegheny County is offering free tuition for five specific career certification programs.

Community colleges, in particular, as offering many such programs, but you'll want to check with the financial aid office of any schools you're interested in attending to see if options are available for you. Also, as I mentioned in a previous post, you may find assistance through your local one-stop career center. Don't be afraid to ask. From what I can tell, there are more and more opportunities becoming available for students in need.

Even if continuing education in your desired field of study isn't covered completely, going back to school can be very motivating when you find yourself out of work. You may acquire skills to improve your chances of landing a job or to help you move toward a new career path. You may also make invaluable connections you otherwise would not have.

So go ahead and do some research. Check with the financial aid department of your local college, community college, university, or trade school. Also, you may want to visit Financial Aid Podcast for more information on financial aid and scholarships. This site is run by Christopher S. Penn, an authority on the subject, whose opinions I value and trust.

Good luck, and please keep me posted on your progress!

Project Working Moms Scholarship Open Until 9/30/09

marybabysteps — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:32:48 -0400

An initiative through eLearners and participating institutions is currently accepting applications for a $4000 scholarship toward online learning. This initiative is called Project Working Moms...and Dads Too!, and it's amazing. I wrote about the program last year, and I later had the chance to talk to the first scholarship recipient about how her life has changed since winning the scholarship. Her story was inspiring. It seems that the program has changed a bit. Once, a few full ride scholarships were granted, and now it appears that one $4000 scholarship is awarded each month. Not too shabby!

The Project Working Moms site is full of resources for adults returning to college. You can search for online degrees, learn about paying for college as well as budgeting, and connect with other moms and read articles about the issues facing them. My favorite part of the site is the resources page that links to articles on everything from time management to study skills; the information here is for everyone, not just moms! And there's even a page just for dads.

So go check it out and explore a little. You'll find tons of great information to help you, whether you're just thinking about going back to school or are currently enrolled. And be sure to apply for the next scholarship - the deadline is September 30th!

Please let me know what kind of information you come across that's most valuable to you.

Never Too Late For College

Education Assistance Available For Unemployed and Laid-Off Workers

Project Working Moms Scholarship Open Until 9/30/09