How do I go about finding out where to apply for grants and scholarships for nontraditional students? I am returning to college, at 33. I am currently in school, on-line, full time, as a sophomore. My GPA is great, however I do not know where to look for grants and scholarships. If anyone can tell me where to look, please, please, email me! annie624@comcast.net. Thanks, Annie from MD

The information that you have provided has been very helpful and knowledgable. Thanks for the advice.

Since I got remarried for the 3rd time about 1 1/2 years ago and have been in financial hardship, I decided to finish my degree. Well, guess what? Now that's I'm remarried, I can't get any help! Does it mean because we are married and our combined income I can't get help? He had bills before we got married and I had bills...so therefore, I am in two online classes this year, but no money to help me pay my tuition. I am at my wits end.....I think they call it a hardship grant...are there any out there?

Thank you for your time and the opportunity to share my thoughts with all of you. I appreciate you immensely.

My name is Pecola Colby. I am African Amercan, single/divorced, head of household and sixty four years old. I returned to school in the Fall of 2008, South Puget Sound Community College in Tumwater, Washington after a twenty-seven year absence. My ultimate goal is a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Washington - Tacoma.

When I registered for school in 2007, I was employed and did not qualify for financial aid. I was determined to return to school now that I had no distractions with raising a family. I had to get a loan in order to support my tuition and books. I lost my job in July 2008. I lost my home to foreclosure five years ago.

As a single African American female I am a testimony to the challenges and yes resilence related to me being socioeconomically and ethnically challenged when comparing me to the dominate culture. My observation and/or perception with social services programs is that of a system at times, lacks fairness, responsiveness and accountability to some of the families they serve. I believe it is imperative that social workers remain accessible to families for support, to establish at all costs, courtesy with integrity and respect for all people regardless of race or culture. Trust is essential and this is one way to build trust. Further, it is necessary to take appropriate and necessary steps to become as proficient as possible on cultural beliefs with protocol, respect, sensitivity and with care, to recognize cultural barriers, to embrace cultural differences and to learn how best to develop the relationship in order to provide the best possible service care.

My interest and passion then and now is to obtain a Doctorate in Social Work. My heart's desire is to become a Social Worker because I am caring, compassionate, sensitive, and believe all families/people are significant, their voices count and should be heard. Further, obtaining an advance degree will allow me to have opportunities to embrace all families and cultures including attending to their needs and providing multiple levels for services with care. I envision my role as a Social Worker to be a voice for families as they journey through various programs for services and resources in order that they receive the very best with care. I will ensure families are not allowed to wander simply because they have come to believe no one cares about them or their well being. As a Social Worker, I will serve as an Adocate for families when necessary to ensure they receive the services and programs best for them. I will work with families to mobilize formal and informal resources; to support family development and to make certain families are on solid ground; to allow for flexibility; and to recognize emerging family needs and community issues.

At this tinme in my life there are no obstacles to deter or distract me from achieving a Doctorate in Social Work. My vision is clear. I am determined to succeed AND I know I will be an asset as a Social Worker to any organization or organized structural body.

From May 2004 to July 2008 I was employed with the Family Support Center in Olympia, Washington. I served as the Family Resource Specialist and assisted in meeting the needs of low-income families. My responsibilities were to work with families and support them in identifying and prioritizing their needs. I helped them identify the most appropriate resources to meet those needs and empowered them to follow through in accessing those resources. I also served as an Advocate for families when necessary and worked with case managers from other agencies to ensure a complete network of services. I am currently unemployed.

My volunteerism also demonstrates my commitment to families and communities. I serve as a volunteer with my church, New Life Baptist Church In Lacey, Washington in many roles and functions. I have successfully brought for more than five years and with the assistance and support of a cadre of volunteers non-medical and medical professionals multiple services and programs to the immediate and surrounding communities in Thurston County, e.g. The Smilemobile, a mobile dental unit for children in low-income families and that are fifteen and younger, "FREE" Back to School Physical Examination Day, Health Fairs, Walk-a-Thons, etc. I served as Chair-person for the Unity For Excellence Tutorial Program. I serve as Chairperson for the Senior Adult Ministry at my church. I am an Usher.

My efforts were recognized in the community. In April 2004, I received the Making a Difference in the Life of a Child Award from Thurston County and in June 2004, I received the Unique Achievement Award from the Thurston County Council on Cultural Diversity.

Again it has been my privilege to share my thoughts with all of you. Please know I look forward to hearing from you with any amount of financial aid to support my continuous to school without interruption due to lack of funds.

Please feel free to contact me for further information if necessary for clarification: Please note my mailing address is:
Pecola Colby
9225 Windsor Ln., NE
Apt E-103
Olympia, WA 98516

OR
my email address is: pediandsons@comcast.net

Respectfully,

Pecola L. Colby

This was so helpful, Thanks!!

Very inspiring!

This info helps already