Education resources for women include FAFSA-based federal aid (Pell Grants up to ~$7,000/year), the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Title IX protections against sex discrimination on campus, and dedicated single-mother scholarships through the Jeannette Rankin Foundation, Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards, and Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation. Community colleges offer low-cost two-year degrees and trade certificates, often with CCAMPIS-grant subsidized on-campus childcare. AAUW funds career development grants and fellowships for women. GED and HiSET programs run through state adult education offices, usually free. This directory covers FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education, and women's scholarships.
Ohio has dedicated Domestic Relations Courts and Juvenile Courts (which handle paternity and unmarried-parent custody) in most counties. The Office of Child Support operates under JFS. Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Akron anchor the major metros. The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, Community Legal Aid, Legal Aid of Western Ohio, and the Ohio Domestic Violence Network serve women.
Need-based state grant for Ohio residents attending eligible colleges. Women must complete the FAFSA to be considered. Grant amounts vary based on financial need and school costs. Contact the Ohio Department of Higher Education for current award amounts and eligible schools. Call Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to confirm eligibility or visit their Columbus office for assistance.
(888) 833-1133 · 25 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43215 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the required form to qualify for federal Pell Grants, work-study, and loans for Ohio students. Women should complete the FAFSA as early as possible each year at studentaid.gov/fafsa. Have your Social Security number, tax returns, and bank information ready. Call (800) 433-3243 for help with the application.
(800) 433-3243 · Online application · 24/7 online · Visit Website
State agency overseeing Ohio colleges and administering state financial aid programs including grants and scholarships for Ohio residents. Women can call to get information on state aid eligibility, Ohio transfer and articulation policies, and workforce education programs. Visit highered.ohio.gov or call Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for program information.
(614) 466-6000 · 25 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43215 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Ohio's flagship public research university offering hundreds of degree programs including online and part-time options. Women can access campus resources including childcare, the Women's Place office, counseling, and financial aid. The OSU Women's Place provides programming and advocacy for women students and staff. Visit osu.edu for admissions, financial aid, and program information.
(614) 292-6446 · 281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
Tri-C is northeast Ohio's largest community college offering affordable two-year degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways. Women can access financial aid, women's resource centers, childcare referrals, and flexible scheduling. Call Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to speak with an admissions advisor about programs, costs, and financial aid options at tri-c.edu.
(216) 987-6000 · 700 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
Affordable two-year degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs in Columbus. Women can access financial aid, flexible scheduling, online courses, and student support services. Columbus State offers pathways to transfer to four-year universities and direct-to-career technical programs. Call Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit cscc.edu to explore programs and schedule an enrollment appointment.
(614) 287-5353 · 550 E Spring St, Columbus, OH 43215 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
Ohio STEM scholarship program funding up to $5,000 annually for Ohio students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or medicine at participating Ohio colleges. Women in STEM fields are encouraged to apply. Contact your college's financial aid office or the Ohio Department of Higher Education at (614) 466-6000 for current eligibility and application deadlines.
(614) 466-6000 · Statewide program · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the gateway to federal Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and work-study programs. Women should apply each year starting October 1 at studentaid.gov. Have your Social Security number, tax returns, and bank information available. Applications take 30-60 minutes to complete online. Contact your school's financial aid office for help.
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Need-based federal grant of up to $7,395 per year for undergraduate students that does not require repayment. Women must complete the FAFSA to be considered. Award amounts depend on financial need, enrollment status, and cost of attendance. Visit studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell to learn about eligibility and current award amounts.
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American Association of University Women offers fellowships and grants specifically for women pursuing graduate degrees, completing dissertations, or conducting research. Awards range from $6,000 to
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P.E.O. International offers multiple scholarship and loan programs exclusively for women pursuing higher education, including the P.E.O. Scholar Awards, Program for Continuing Education grants, and STAR Scholarships. Women can find local P.E.O. chapters through the website and inquire about sponsorship for applications. Visit peointernational.org for eligibility and program details.
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Education and training grants for women who are the primary financial supporters of their household and are pursuing vocational or undergraduate education. Award amounts range from
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Scholarships for low-income women age 35 and older pursuing technical/vocational training or undergraduate degrees. Awards up to ,000 per year. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and commitment to improving their community. Visit rankinfoundation.org for current eligibility requirements, application timeline, and to start your scholarship application. Applications typically open in January.
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Scholarships and education support grants for low-income mothers and women pursuing post-secondary education. Named after the first woman of color elected to Congress, the foundation prioritizes applicants from underrepresented backgrounds. Visit patsyminkfoundation.org for current scholarship opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application information.
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Free national scholarship search engine with millions of scholarship listings for women, minorities, adult learners, and returning students. Women can create a free profile and receive personalized scholarship matches based on background, field of study, and financial need. Visit scholarships.com to search by category and set up email alerts for new matching scholarships.
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Free college planning and scholarship search tool from the College Board covering college exploration, financial aid estimation, and SAT preparation. Women can use BigFuture to compare colleges by cost and programs, search for scholarships, and create a college application checklist. All tools are free at bigfuture.collegeboard.org. Account creation required for personalized features.
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Free official SAT practice platform developed in partnership with the College Board. Women and students can access personalized practice tests, video lessons, and skill-building exercises targeting specific weak areas. Available 24/7 at khanacademy.org/sat. Connect your College Board account for a personalized practice plan based on PSAT results.
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