Single parent receives full-tuition scholarship for online education

Single parent receives full-tuition scholarship for online education

The Career Stimulus Package consists of a $4 million scholarship campaign that was designed to bring attention to the need for financial aid. It also promotes awareness and interest in online higher education. Through this initiative, more than 100 adults have received full-tuition scholarships to eight accredited online schools.

To apply for the scholarship, applicants must write an essay explaining why they want to go back to school, what they hope to accomplish and how online education would help them reach these goals. They must also explain their personal stories of how they overcame adversity.

This month, one single mom was chosen from close to 300,000 applicants. She is a survivor of a physically and mentally abusive relationship, and is entering a professional physical therapy aide program at Ashworth College.

"Having a college degree or advanced training can set an employee or job seeker apart - demonstrating business knowledge to peers, potential customers and current or future employers," said F. Milton Miller, Ashworth vice president of education.

Working adults may be unaware of the multitude of government and private scholarships. Tuition costs are often a hindrance for nontraditional students. However, many adult learners qualify for financial assistance.

Approximately 4.6 million students were enrolled in at least one online course during the 2008-2009 academic year, according to a 2009 survey from the Sloan Consortium.

By Mark Danson