ANSWER Scholarship

The ANSWER Scholarship is a comprehensive scholarship program designed specifically for nontraditional female students who are primary caregivers to school-age children. This scholarship supports women age 25 and older who are pursuing their first bachelor's degree or select associate degrees at accredited nonprofit institutions in North Carolina or South Carolina. The program serves residents of specific counties including Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, Stanly, and Union in North Carolina, or Lancaster and York in South Carolina. What distinguishes ANSWER from other scholarship programs is its mandatory Mentors For Mom Program, which pairs each scholarship recipient with a mentor for ongoing support throughout their educational journey. Recipients are required to maintain contact with their mentor every two weeks and attend professional and personal development workshops held one Saturday per month during the academic year. This comprehensive support structure has contributed to ANSWER's stellar graduation rate. The scholarship provides financial support for tuition and related educational expenses while requiring recipients to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above. Applications are accepted annually from November 1 through February 28, and more than 60% of interviewed applicants receive the scholarship award. Recipients must attend the annual May Celebration Luncheon and participate fully in the mentorship and professional development components of the program. This opportunity is ideal for mothers returning to education who seek not only financial support but also a comprehensive support system including mentorship, professional development, and a community of fellow scholars facing similar life circumstances.