Program Description
The Problem
First in Family to Attend College
2010 JRF Scholars
Households headed by women are particularly at risk of falling below the poverty line. The U.S. Bureau of the Census reports that 28.3% of female households with no partner present lived in poverty in the year 2006. Among female-headed households with children under 18 years of age, the poverty rate increased to 36.5%. Among Jeannette Rankin scholars in 2008, 70 women, or 88% are heads of their households.
Low-income adult women face unique challenges in pursuing higher education. Many are raising a family, so they have greater responsibilities than younger college students. Many courses of study and scholarship programs are not practicable to time constraints of family care giving or work responsibilities. Despite these challenges, any number of life circumstances may precipitate a woman's choice to return to school:
- Divorce
- Loss of a job
- Death of a spouse
- Leaving an abusive partner
- Disability of herself, her spouse, or a child
- Motivation to become self-sufficient and overcome poverty
Career Choices of 2008 JRF Scholars
Education has the potential to give women the economic power to overcome all these challenges. Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund exists to help women change their lives and succeed through education.
JRF Scholarships
The JRF scholarship is intended to help with expenses while the scholar is in school. Support may be used for books, transportation, child care, utilities and living expenses. Feedback from many JRF scholars shows that this unrestricted financial aid helps them where they need it most.
Our Track Record
Jeannette Rankin Foundation has operated continuously since 1976. More than $1.25 million in scholarships has been awarded to low-income women, with $898,000 awarded in 2004-2009.
Each year, the foundation mails a survey to scholars to update our records. Of women responding to the annual surveys in 2006-2008, 97.2% had graduated or were still enrolled in school.
With more than three decades of experience, Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund is an established scholarship program with an active board, a dedicated staff, and an enthusiastic team of interns and volunteers. JRF scholarships help women reach their educational goals, giving them a new chance to change their lives and rise up out of poverty.
