How can I find non-governmental funding for African American women over 40 seeking their first degre

I'm interested in a associate of applied science degree in health information technology. I've already accumulated more than $7,000 in student loans because I'm single and didn't qualify for any grants. I do not wish to make another loan to the government seeing that I only earn $8 per hr on my current job as well as being displaced by Katrina. I'm seeking any organization or person to sponser my continued education.

How can I find non-governmental funding for African American women over 40 seeking their first degree?

There are tons of scholarships that go unclaimed each year. Many $400, $500 or $1000 scholarships never even get applied for because people think it's chump change and not worth applying for. Well, get a few of those $500 scholarships and it'll really make a dent in your tuition bill.

Do a search on scholarships, search your major, your ethnic heritage, your town, your parents employers, your employer, hobbies, high school, local chamber of commerce/rotary/ lion's club etc. Left-handed? There is a scholarship out there for you! Older woman returning to school? There are scholarships out there for you. Do combined searches on more than one criteria %26quot;hispanic women aviation scholarships%26quot; etc.

Go to the library and ask the reference librarian for a reference book on scholarships. They usually have more than one. There are all kinds of scholarships out there, you just have to start applying yourself and make it your summer career to send out letters everyday for scholarships. Good luck!

How can I find non-governmental funding for African American women over 40 seeking their first degree?

There should be a lot of scholarships out there, some general and some specific to the age/race/degree/location information you provided. As with anything financial, applying will take some effort, but it is always worthwhile.

The Talbot's scholarship (http://www1.talbots.com/about/scholar/sc... ) is highly lucrative (although also highly competitive) and is specifically intended for adults females who have not yet earned their first degree. For other awards, consider registering with and browsing these search engines:

http://www.fastweb.com

http://www.srnexpress.com

http://www.scholarships.com

http://www.scholarships101.com

http://www.finaid.org/scholarships

http://apps.collegeboard.com/cbsearch_ss...

http://services.princetonreview.com/defa...

http://www.collegeanswer.com/paying/cont...

There were numerous organizations offering financial assistance to student victims of Katrina, many of which may still be active if you're willing to take the time to inquire. In fact... Have you appealed to your financial aid office for a recalculation of your financial aid eligibility? After Katrina, many schools were able to adjust the FAFSA data to reflect the financial losses that their students experienced as a result of flood damange or their subsequent displacement. If you haven't asked about this, it could be worthwhile to do so. You may become eligible for grant aid this way.