Larry Darnell Green Scholarship: Empowering Single Parents Through Education

For parents, and especially single mothers, college can be a daunting task. This article explores the importance of scholarships dedicated to moms, how to qualify for them, and tips for winning them, with a special focus on the Larry Darnell Green Scholarship.

The Importance of Scholarships for Moms

At least one in five college students are parents, and more than 70 percent of these student parents are women. Despite their presence on college campuses, many parents, particularly single mothers in financial need, struggle to complete their degrees. Just 28 percent of single moms graduate from college within 6 years of enrolling. Many women return to school later in life, which can also make it extremely difficult to finish their degree. Because of the time and money that a college education requires, many single mothers choose to attend two-year institutions. 44 percent of all single mothers in college attend two-year institutions. Alternatively, only 19 percent attend public or private four-year colleges.

Before the pandemic in 2020, nearly 70 percent of student parents were living in or near poverty. This makes it extremely difficult to get an education while worrying about providing for a child, often by themselves. It is extremely important to support women in higher education, especially women who have a child to support. Because child care costs more than in-state tuition at public colleges in at least 30 states, college can seem impossible for mothers who have to provide for their children. Financially, single mothers often struggle with paying their tuition while providing primary financial support for their children. Because of this, many low income women have to turn to student loans in order to fund their education. On average, single mothers who earn a bachelor’s degree have around $30,000 in student debt one year after they graduate-$4,800 more than women without children and nearly $4,300 more than all women students.

In order to help alleviate some of these costs, many single mothers work in addition to going to school and caring for children. 54 percent work 20 or more hours per week and 43 percent work 30 or more hours per week. For moms who work and take care of their kids, keeping up with academic work can be challenging. Because of this, it is imperative that mothers in college get the help that they need. Student parents need financial assistance in order to graduate from college and take care of their children. While financial aid may help single parents and mothers to fund their education, parents attending college may need more financial help. Through scholarships catered to mothers or women more generally, student parents may be able to achieve a college degree with little to no debt.

Who Qualifies for Scholarships for Moms?

To qualify for scholarships for moms, several criteria are typically considered:

Must be a mother: You must be a mother who is attending school. If you are a parent to a minor, you may qualify for scholarships for mothers. You can be a single mom-someone who provides primary financial support-or you can have a spouse or partner who helps to provide for your child as well.
Check eligibility requirements: Some scholarships will have additional requirements besides just being open to mothers. Some scholarships are specifically for single moms, some are for low-income students, and others are for parents pursuing a specific degree. Be sure to check the specific requirements of each scholarship to ensure that you are eligible to apply.
Single Custodial Parent: Most scholarships require that applicants be the primary custodial parent of at least one child under 18.
Legal Status: Some single parent scholarships ask for proof of your single-parent status.
Full-Time or Part-Time Enrollment: Some scholarships require that you are enrolled either full-time or part-time in an accredited college or university.
Residency and Citizenship Requirements: Certain scholarships may have location-based eligibility, requiring applicants to reside in a specific state or region.

Types of Scholarships Available for Mothers

There are many different types of scholarships for moms in financial need. For low-income mothers, scholarships for people of color like the Wilma King Means Scholarship can be helpful. BIPOC and first-generation students may also qualify for specific scholarships that can help alleviate some of the costs of getting an education. Many minority groups have specific scholarships that can provide financial assistance. There are also scholarships for single moms specifically, such as the Larry Darnell Green Scholarship. Regardless of what types of college scholarships you’re searching for, you can find them on Bold.org.

Here are a few examples of scholarships tailored for moms:

Eunice Z. Gaddis Legacy Scholarship: For the mama who’s a lifelong learner. Named after a passionate educator, this scholarship is for moms ready to tackle higher education-whether that means advancing in a current field or starting fresh.
Larry Darnell Green Scholarship: For moms who turn every challenge into a stepping stone. Named after a community hero, this scholarship is ideal for moms who want to make a positive impact in fields like social work, nursing, or education. This scholarship often favors applicants with a history of community involvement or those who have overcome significant challenges.
Sara Molina Memorial Scholarship: For mamas balancing career dreams with family life. This scholarship is designed for moms who believe that career goals and family life can beautifully coexist-with a little help. This scholarship’s flexible eligibility range makes it great if you’re unsure about strict academic criteria.
Vickie Drum Memorial Scholarship: For the multi-talented mom with ambitious dreams. This scholarship is dedicated to helping women with bold career dreams reach their goals. Many Vickie Drum recipients go on to inspire other women in similar paths.
Stephanie Staggers Curtis Memorial Scholarship: For single moms balancing school and parenthood. This scholarship supports moms who are redefining “success” while managing the demands of education and parenting.

Finding Scholarships for Mothers

After creating your free Bold.org profile, you can begin looking for scholarships that you are eligible for. By going to the scholarship search, you can look specifically for scholarships for mothers or single mothers specifically. There are also plenty of scholarships for women in the "Women" category of the scholarship page. For BIPOC and low-income mothers, you can also look in the "Diversity and Inclusion" category for some scholarships. Make sure to check if you are an eligible applicant for each individual scholarship by checking the additional eligibility requirements. You can also find a list of scholarships specifically for moms above. Browse these scholarships for women to broaden your opportunities!

The Larry Darnell Green Scholarship: A Closer Look

Larry Darnell Green lived a life full of helping others and giving back to his community. Single-parent families have become increasingly common in recent decades, increasing from 13% of families in1968 to a staggering 32% in 2017. With more children coming from single-parent households, it’s critical that there is adequate support so they can overcome the barriers to higher education. This scholarship aims to honor Larry’s legacy by helping single parents or the children of single parents afford their college education. Any high school senior or undergraduate student who is the child of a single parent or a single parent themself may apply for this scholarship but applicants with volunteering experience are preferred.

To apply, tell us how being a single parent or the child of a single parent has shaped your educational journey and how you hope to give back to your community.

Selection Criteria: Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile

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Tips for Winning Scholarships for Moms

There are many applicants for scholarships, but that shouldn't stop you from applying. Scholarship winners use certain strategies to increase their chances of winning scholarships. Following a few of the easy tips below can help set your application apart from others so you can win the financial aid necessary to attend college.

Apply for as many scholarships as you can: Since you are not likely to win every scholarship you apply to, it is important to apply to a lot of scholarships. Whether you're pursuing an associate's degree, your first bachelor's degree, or even a doctoral degree, the more scholarships you apply to, the higher the chance you will win. Applying to lots of scholarships on Bold.org can help you increase your odds of accumulating scholarship money.
Apply for scholarships as early as possible: New scholarships are being posted on Bold.org consistently, giving you numerous opportunities for scholarships that are introduced and awarded within just a few months. Because of this, applying sooner will make more scholarships available to you during your search. Keeping this in mind, you can apply for many different scholarships without stressing about applications deadlines all at one time of the year.
Put effort into your essay submissions: There are essay prompts for many of the listed scholarships for mothers, so make sure that you don't underestimate the power of a well-written essay. Take time to plan what you want to write, and proofread your essay after finishing it to eliminate spelling and grammar errors. Each scholarship is slightly different, but if you stick to fundamental writing skills, you can make your essays stand out.
Apply to scholarships with more specific eligibility requirements: Scholarships with more eligibility requirements have fewer applicable students. With a more specific set of criteria, fewer students will apply, giving you a better chance at being selected for that specific scholarship. Keep an eye out for scholarships with several requirements that you meet in order to give yourself your best chance of earning a more specialized scholarship. For example, finding scholarships exclusively open to certain ethnicities or genders will limit the competition and boost your chances of winning.
Make a strong Bold.org profile: Take the time to fill out your Bold.org profile, putting in specifics that will help show donors who you are. For scholarships that don't require essays, this is especially useful, because students with completed profiles give additional information about themselves that sometimes is not included in. Additionally, filling out your profile completely will give you more Bold Points, opening up more exclusive scholarships that you can apply to.
Tailor your essays: To increase your chances, apply early, ensure your application materials are complete, and tailor your essays to highlight your unique experiences as a single parent.

Balancing School and Life as a Single Parent

Securing a college scholarship is only half of the work. Maintaining a healthy school-life schedule is the other half. Outline your daily and weekly tasks, such as classes, study sessions, and family responsibilities. Using a planner or digital calendar can help you block out specific times for schoolwork and family time. Pro Tip: Leave at least an hour free every day in case homework takes too long or your child has an emergency.

Amid the demands of parenting and school, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care. Taking care of your health by getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking short breaks will keep you energized and focused. You may be a single parent, but you don’t have to care for your child 100% on your own. Don’t be afraid to seek help from family, friends, or your school’s support services. Many colleges offer valuable resources for student parents, such as childcare facilities, family housing, and counseling services.

When it comes to schoolwork, focus on making your study time as productive as possible. Prioritize high-impact assignments, and consider using productivity techniques like the Pomodoro method. Establish clear boundaries by communicating your responsibilities as a parent to your professors, employer, and family members.

Additional Financial Aid Options

Apply for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA): The first step in accessing financial assistance is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form helps determine your eligibility for federal student loans, grants, and work-study programs.
Explore Grants for Single Parents: Grants are another excellent source of funding and, like scholarships, do not need to be repaid. Federal Pell Grants are one of the most common types, and you can qualify for them as long as you demonstrate financial need.
Utilize Employer Tuition Assistance Programs: If you are currently employed, check if your employer offers tuition assistance or reimbursement programs.
Consider Work-Study Programs: Work-study programs allow you to earn money while attending school, often with flexible hours and jobs related to your field of study.
Apply for Child Care Assistance: Paying for childcare can be one of the largest expenses for single parents in college. Look into federal and state programs that offer child care assistance, as well as on-campus child care services that may be available at reduced costs.
Research State-Based Aid for Single Parents: Many states offer financial aid programs designed to assist single parents in completing their education.
Consider Community College or Online Programs: Community colleges and online degree programs often offer more affordable and flexible options for single parents.
Take Advantage of Tax Credits: As a single parent, you may qualify for education-related tax credits, such as the American Opportunity Tax Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit.

Choosing the Right Degree Program

The best degree for a single parent is one that aligns with their career goals and offers flexibility. Online or part-time programs can be especially beneficial for balancing studies with parenting responsibilities. Schools that offer flexible learning options, such as an online college degree and strong support services, are ideal for single parents.

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