Scholarships and Grants for Children of Single Parents

For many single-parent families, paying for higher education can be one of the most significant financial hurdles. Rising tuition costs, coupled with daily living expenses, can leave parents wondering how they’ll provide their children with the education they deserve. The good news is: a wide range of scholarships and grants are available specifically for students raised in single-parent households. These programs aim to level the playing field, promote access, and ease the burden of college costs.

Why Scholarships for Children of Single Parents Matter

Children raised by single parents often face financial and emotional challenges that can impact their access to higher education. Scholarships and grants designed for this group not only help offset the cost of tuition, books, and housing but also recognize the resilience and determination these students bring to their academic journey.

Unlike loans, grants and scholarships don’t need to be repaid, making them ideal tools for long-term financial stability and education success.

Types of Scholarships and Grants

There are several categories of financial aid aimed at supporting students from single-parent homes:

Need-Based Grants – For families with limited financial resources.
Merit-Based Scholarships – For students who demonstrate academic, athletic, or extracurricular excellence.
Demographic-Specific Awards – For students from specific backgrounds (e.g., first-generation, minority, or single-parent homes).
Field-Specific Scholarships – For students pursuing specific majors such as STEM, education, or social work.

Top Scholarships for Children of Single Parents

1. KFC Foundation Scholarship

Offered to KFC employees and their dependents, this scholarship supports college-bound students who demonstrate financial need and community involvement. Children of single parents employed by KFC may be eligible.

2. Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund

This program supports low-income women aged 35 or older who are raising children on their own and pursuing higher education.

3. Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship

Available to Rhode Island residents, this scholarship helps single parents—especially those receiving public assistance—afford post-secondary education or job training.

4. American Legion Legacy Scholarship

This program assists children of U.S. military personnel who lost their lives on active duty or were 50% or more disabled. Many recipients come from single-parent homes.

5. Dell Scholars Program

Administered by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, this scholarship supports low-income students who demonstrate grit and determination—traits often developed in single-parent households.

Grants That Benefit Single-Parent Families

1. Federal Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is a need-based federal grant awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. It’s often the first step in financial aid for single-parent students.

2. FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)

This grant supplements the Pell Grant and is offered through participating schools. Priority is given to students with the lowest expected family contribution.

3. State-Based Assistance

Many states provide their own grants for low-income students and single-parent families. For example, the Cal Grant in California and the Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) offer valuable resources.

How to Find the Right Scholarships

Use dedicated scholarship search platforms like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Big Future.
Speak with your school’s guidance counselor or college advisor about local and school-specific scholarships.
Reach out to nonprofits focused on education, such as UNCF or Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
Search for local organizations, credit unions, and religious groups that offer aid to students in single-parent homes.

Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application

Start Early: Many applications close 6-12 months before the academic year begins.
Tell Your Story: Highlight your family background, personal growth, and future goals. Personal narratives resonate with scholarship committees.
Customize Essays: Avoid copy-pasting. Tailor each essay to the scholarship’s mission.
Keep Documents Ready: Transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of income, and identification documents are commonly required.
Don’t Limit Yourself: Apply for as many relevant opportunities as possible—even small awards add up!

Real Stories of Success

Students from single-parent families have succeeded in winning scholarships that changed their lives. Meet Sarah, a nursing student from Michigan raised by her mother. Thanks to local and federal grants, she graduated debt-free and now supports her family as a full-time RN. Or Raj, a single dad who returned to college and used scholarships to fund his computer science degree while raising his daughter alone.

These stories prove that financial hardship doesn’t have to stand in the way of education when you know where to look for support.

Additional Resources

Single Mothers Grants – A great starting point for both educational and living expense support.
FAFSA – File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid early to maximize opportunities.
ChildCare.gov – Find financial help for childcare while studying or working.

Conclusion: Invest in Your Child’s Future Today

For single parents, planning for your child’s future may feel daunting—but you are not alone. Scholarships and grants for children of single parents exist because people believe in your story, your strength, and your child’s potential. With the right tools and resources, the dream of higher education can become a reality—without overwhelming financial debt.

Start your search today, stay persistent, and don’t hesitate to ask for help along the way. Your child’s educational journey starts with the steps you take right now.

Know of any great scholarship programs we missed? Let us know at hello@singletoparent.com or tag us on social @singletoparent.