Prime and then some (AARP's scholarship program for women over 40)

The AARP Foundation recently announced a call for entries to its second annual Women’s Scholarship Program.

The scholarships will provide funds to women 40+ who are seeking new job skills, training and educational opportunities to support themselves and their families.

Research shows that women are disproportionately at risk of having insufficient resources in the second half of their lives due to lower earning and different work patterns. The AARP Foundation first announced the Women’s Scholarship Program in August of 2007 to help women 40+ overcome financial and employment barriers by allowing them to participate in education and training opportunities they could otherwise not afford.

The AARP Foundation Women’s Scholarship Program is available to eligible individuals with moderate to lower incomes and limited financial resources.

To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must:

Be female age 40 or over (as of August 31, 2008)

Be able to demonstrate financial need

Be enrolled in an accredited post-secondary school or training program within 6 months of the scholarship award date

Priority consideration is given to women in three categories:

Women raising children of another family member (such as grandparents raising grandchildren, or those raising siblings or nieces/nephews)

Women who have been out of the workforce for an extended period of time

Women in dead end jobs (those with no opportunity for advancement, low pay and lacking either health or retirement benefits).

Scholarships may be used for any course of study at a public or private secondary school, including community colleges, technical schools, and four-year universities. The program does not provide assistance for graduate degree programs. It seeks women who are entering two to three year technical or skills enhancement programs, or who are in the final stages of their college experience. Funds are payable to the institution and may be used to pay for tuition, fees, and books.

Go here to get more info and submit your application online. The application process closes on August 22, 2008 and scholarships will be awarded in early 2009.