Education That Changes Futures
On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about our Strong With Mom scholarship program and how to apply.
Our Scholarships
In 2026, Strong With Mom will award three $1,000 scholarships to single mothers pursuing higher education. Each scholarship is renewable for the length of the recipient’s program, provided eligibility requirements continue to be met. Our scholarships are not limited to traditional degree programs. We welcome applications from mothers pursuing technical certificates, trade programs, or a GED.
What Scholarships Can Be Used For
Scholarship funds may be used for expenses such as:
- Tuition or program fees
- Certification or trade programs
- GED programs
- Licensing or exam fees
Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the educational institution or training provider on behalf of the recipient.
Program Information
- At this time, we are not awarding scholarships for graduate programs
- The foundation is committed to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, or age in the administration of our programs or scholarship opportunities. We welcome applications from single mothers of all backgrounds and believe that supporting diverse families strengthens communities.
- We will not accept applications for institutions that discriminate based on sex or gender, LGBTQ+ status or identity, race or ethnicity, religion, disability, or immigration status
- No GPA is required to apply, but recipients must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA to remain eligible for scholarship renewal
- Scholarship recipients will be required to provide proof of enrollment or acceptance before funds are distributed
- Strong With Mom reserves the right to update scholarship guidelines as the program grows and evolves
Eligibility
Who Is Eligible to Apply
To apply for a Strong With Mom scholarship, applicants should meet the following qualifications:
- You are a single mother
- You are single, widowed, divorced, or separated (and your divorce is almost final).
- You are the custodial parent or legal guardian of a minor child
- You are a resident of Southern California (online courses outside of this area accepted)
- You are attending, or plan to attend, a not-for-profit educational institution or training program that leads to meaningful employment opportunities
- You are unable to fully fund your education on your own
Meeting these eligibility criteria will move you forward to the next step of our scholarship review process. Applicants selected to continue will be contacted by email in late summer.
Apply
Application Process:
- Submit your complete application online, including:
- Personal Information
- Proof of acceptance/enrollment in a post-secondary institution
- Completed income/expense worksheet
- Your Story
Scholarship Renewal Process:
- Scholarships may be renewed on a yearly basis for recipients who are continuing their post-secondary education. Scholarships may be renewed for any one individual up to 4 times.
- Scholarship renewals are based on available funding and student academic standing.
- Another application must be submitted, with a copy of your most recent grades, and current course schedule.
- A renewal interview may be requested should the committee choose to re-interview the scholarship recipient.
Important Dates
Our scholarship program follows a yearly application and review cycle. Key dates for the 2026 scholarship awards are listed below:
- Application Period Opens
Spring 2026 - Application Deadline
Early Summer 2026 - Application Review Period
Summer 2026 - Scholarship Awards Announced
Fall 2026 - Scholarship Funds Distributed
Prior to the start of the recipient’s academic term
Staying Connected During Your Program
At Strong With Mom, we believe scholarships are just the beginning. We love staying connected with our recipients and cheering them on as they move through their programs. Scholarship recipients may be asked to provide occasional updates on their progress so we can celebrate milestones, share success stories with our community, and offer encouragement along the way. Our goal is to be a supportive resource throughout your educational journey.
Nominate a Single Mom
Nominating a single mom in your life for a scholarship is one of the most powerful gifts you can give her. Single moms are already doing the extraordinary — raising children, managing households, and showing up every day with resilience and love. A scholarship nomination says that her ambitions matter too, that her desire to learn and grow deserves to be supported.
By taking a few minutes to share her story, you could help open a door that changes the entire trajectory of her life and her family’s. Tell us about the single mom who inspires you, the difference she has made in your life, and why you believe she deserves this opportunity.
FAQs
Our Commitment to Transparency and Trust
Strong With Mom is committed to transparency and responsible stewardship of every donation we receive. Our goal is to direct a minimum of 80% of all contributions toward scholarships and programs that directly support single mothers, with the remaining funds used to responsibly operate and grow the foundation.
As a nonprofit organization, we are governed by a board of directors and follow nonprofit reporting standards to ensure accountability and integrity in our work. We believe our supporters deserve to know exactly how their generosity is making a difference.