If you have made the decision to go back to school for professional development and/or career advancement in your chosen field, it is important to not forget the various scholarships for working professionals that are available nationwide.
Although many working professionals make too much money in order to receive need-based student financial aid from the federal government, attending college today will most likely require some added financial assistance. After all, working professionals often have families to support while maintaining the balance between work and school obligations. Luckily, the following are 25 of the greatest scholarship opportunities available for working adults who are returning to college in the hopes of reaching all of their professional dreams.
1. AFCEA Working Professionals Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
For part-time students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree while employed, the AFCEA Educational Foundation presents the Working Professionals Scholarship for $1,500 to young professionals under the age of 40 who are currently employed in a field related to communications, engineering, computer science, or electronics. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and have declared one of the qualifying STEM majors.
Contact
AFCEA Working Professionals Scholarship
4400 Fair Lakes Court
Fairfax, VA 22033
(800) 336-4583
Scholarship@afcea.org
2. Alliss Educational Foundation Grant
Deadline: Ongoing
Administered through Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MNSCU), the Alliss Educational Foundation Grant is designed to provide payment of tuition for up to five semester credits to working adult learners who are beginning college for the first-time or returning to college in pursuit of an associate’s degree. Qualified candidates must be legal Minnesota residents, be enrolling in a Minnesota community college part-time, and be out of school for at least seven years prior to application.
Contact
Alliss Educational Foundation Grant
30 Seventh St. E Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 556-0596
Jessica.White@so.mnscu.edu
3. BPW Foundation Career Advancement Scholarships
Deadline: December 15th
Each year, the Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Foundation awards several Career Advancement Scholarships for $2,000 apiece to provide financial assistance to female working professionals who are seeking to further their education to advance their careers or re-enter the workforce. Eligible applicants must be financially disadvantaged, be 25 years of age or older, be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in an STEM field, and be accepted at an accredited institution.
Contact
BPW Foundation Career Advancement Scholarships
1718 M St. NW Suite 148
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 777-8949
ssaunders@bpwfoundation.org
4. Dale Seymour Fund Scholarship for Teachers
Deadline: November 7th
Sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), the Dale Seymour Fund Scholarship for Teachers has been established to provide $2,000 to certified mathematics teachers who have taught school mathematics for at least three years and intend to remain in teaching after pursuing an additional degree and/or certificate. Applicants must submit a course proposal, principal’s letter of support, itemized budget plan, and resume of work experiences.
Contact
Dale Seymour Fund Scholarship for Teachers
1906 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(703) 620-9840
nctm@nctm.org
5. Donald A. Baldwin Sr. Business Aviation Management Scholarship
Deadline: November 15th
For working professionals in the aviation industry, the Donald A. Baldwin Sr. Business Aviation Management Scholarship is offered through the National Business Aviation Association (NABA) to provide up to $1,225 to cover the professional development costs associated with pursuing the credential of Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) in the United States. Qualified applicants must be eligible to take the CAM examination within two years of funding, submit a current resume of professional experiences, and provide two letters of recommendation.
Contact
Donald A. Baldwin Sr. Business Aviation Management Scholarship
1200 G St. NW Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 783-9250
info@nbaa.org
6. Hung Phi Tieu and Lan Vuong Working Student Scholarship
Deadline: May 15th
Created in honor of Vietnamese war refugee parents who instilled in their children an unwavering work ethic in the land of opportunity, the Hung Phi Tieu and Lan Vuong Working Student Scholarship is awarded annually for $1,500 to a current undergraduate student who is jugging school with working at least 20 hours per week. Candidates must be high school graduates, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and show financial need.
Contact
Hung Phi Tieu and Lan Vuong Working Student Scholarship
525 West 22nd St.
New York, NY 10011
(646) 481-0005
info@scholarfund.org
7. Jean-Louis Palladin Professional Work/Study Grant
Deadline: June 15th
Named in honor of the legendary French chef who devoted his career to mentorship, the Jean-Louis Palladin Professional Work/Study Grant is presented each year by the James Beard Foundation for up to $10,000 to working chefs who are interested in learning from and working with some of the nation’s most renowned culinary geniuses. Applicants must be 21 years of age or older, have at least three years of experience as a chef in a professional kitchen, and write an essay explaining their desires to further education.
Contact
Jean-Louis Palladin Professional Work/Study Grant
167 West 12th St.
New York, NY 10011
(212) 675-4984
Scholarship Link
8. Josh Gottheil Memorial Career Development Award
Deadline: June 15th
Through the Oncology Nursing Society Foundation, the Josh Gottheil Memorial Career Development Award is distributed annually for $2,000 to four deserving registered nurses who are currently working in bone marrow transplantation and are seeking continuing education related to transplant nursing. Applicants must spend a minimum of 75% of their work in direct patient care and have had two or more years of experience in bone marrow transplantation.
Contact
Josh Gottheil Memorial Career Development Award
125 Enterprise Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
(866) 257-4667
info@onsfoundation.org
9. Larry McDonald Pride Scholarship
Deadline: June 30th
Within the Equity Foundation of Oregon and Washington, the Larry McDonald Pride Scholarship is granted for up to $5,000 to mid-life working professionals who seek to make a significant change in their lives and/or vocations by pursuing a degree in the arts and humanities, including history, literature, philosophy, fine arts, religion, or performing arts. For consideration, identify themselves as being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) as well as be accepted for enrollment in an accredited U.S. educational program.
Contact
Larry McDonald Pride Scholarship
P.O. Box 5696
Portland, OR 97228
(503) 231-5759
danib@equityfoundation.org
10. Laurels Fund Post-Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: May 15th
For professionals who are working as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), the Laurels Fund Post-Graduate Scholarship is offered by the Educational Foundation of Women in Accounting (EFWA) to provide up to $5,000 to female accountants who are returning to college to pursue a doctoral degree in accounting. Recipients will be chosen based on academic achievements, commitment to community service, financial need, professionalism, and career objectives.
Contact
Laurels Fund Post-Graduate Scholarship
136 South Keowee St.
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 424-3391
info@efwa.org
11. Marius “Gabe” DeGabriele Scholarship
Deadline: January 31st
As part of the Association for Nontraditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE), the Marius “Gabe” DeGabriele Scholarship is granted annually for up to $2,500 to non-traditional working professionals who are returning to an accredited U.S. institution in order to pursue a graduate degree in their chosen field. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic promise, attend school at least part-time, work full-time with 35 hours or more per week while enrolled, and be considered financially independent.
Contact
Marius “Gabe” DeGabriele Scholarship
1000 Chastain Rd.
Kennesaw, GA 30144
(770) 423-6314
scholarships@antsheboardofdirectors.org
12. National Collegiate Cancer Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: May 15th
Annually, the National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF) provides competitive $1,000 scholarships for young adult professionals whose post-secondary education was interrupted as the direct result of being diagnosed with cancer. Eligible candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 35, be U.S. citizens, be cancer survivors or current patients, and be planning to attend an accredited college in pursuit of an undergraduate or graduate degree in the upcoming fall.
Contact
National Collegiate Cancer Foundation Scholarships
4858 Battery Lane Suite 216
Bethesda, MD 20814
(240) 515-6262
info@collegiatecancer.org
13. New Technology Transfer Professionals Scholarships
Deadline: September 13th
Established by the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), the New Technology Transfer Professionals Scholarships are distributed for up to $4,000 annually to improve the learning opportunities of five early career technology transfer professionals who are working in countries identified as developing economies. Professionals must hold active membership, be employed at an academic or non-profit institution in a qualifying nation, and have less than two years of full-time experience in the field.
Contact
New Technology Transfer Professionals Scholarships
111 Deer Lake Rd. Suite 100
Deerfield, IL 60015
(847) 559-0846
ndespoiu@autm.net
14. Osher Reentry Scholarship Program
Deadline: Varies
Within the Bernard Osher Foundation, the Osher Reentry Scholarship Program has been created to provide awards for up to $50,000 annually to working professionals who have experienced an interruption in their post-secondary education and want to resume their students at the undergraduate level. Candidates must have experienced a cumulative education gap of five or more years, be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree, demonstrate financial need, and anticipate significant workforce participation after graduation.
Contact
Osher Reentry Scholarship Program
One Ferry Building Suite 255
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 861-5587
jhirokane@osherfoundation.org
Scholarship Link
15. OVC Professional Development Training Scholarships
Deadline: June 2nd
With the goal of providing up to $1,500 annually to reduce tuition/registration fees for professionals who are currently working with victims of crime in the United States or any of the U.S. territories, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has established Professional Development Training Scholarships. Eligible applicants include victim service advocates, social service providers, mental health workers, substance abuse treatment providers, nurses, law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, and healthcare professionals.
Contact
OVC Professional Development Training Scholarships
9300 Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22031
(866) 682-8880
ttac@ovcttac.org
16. Professional Training International Scholarships
Deadline: March 15th
Founded by the Trace Foundation, the Professional Training International Scholarships are awarded annually for up to $10,000 to established professionals who are interested in pursuing further training that will help them develop their professional skills and pass that knowledge on to inspire others. Applicants should have at least two years of work experience in their specialty field, have sufficient foreign language proficiency, have clearly defined academic goals, and be pursuing studies overseas at the master’s or doctoral degree level.
Contact
Professional Training International Scholarships
132 Perry St. Suite 2B
New York, NY 10014
(212) 367-7380
lfcmp@trace.org
17. Purdue Span Plan Grants
Deadline: June, December, and April 1st
Through the Division of Student Affairs for Purdue University at West Lafayette, the Purdue Span Plan Grants are awarded each semester for $1,000 apiece to non-traditional adult professionals who will be enrolling at least part-time in one of the university’s undergraduate degree programs. In order to qualify, candidates must be in good academic standing, be enrolled in at least seven credit hours, and demonstrate a significant level of financial need.
Contact
Purdue Span Plan Grants
475 Stadium Mall Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47907
(765) 494-1747
jimhintz@purdue.edu
18. Richard Hollingsworth Professional Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
At California State University Long Beach, the Center for International Trade and Transportation has awarded the Richard Hollingsworth Professional Scholarship for $2,000 annually to male and female working professionals who will be enrolling in one of the center’s non-credit professional development programs. Along with the application, students must submit a current resume, official college transcript, and a typed essay demonstrating work experience in a transportation or allied field.
Contact
Richard Hollingsworth Professional Scholarship
1000 Studebaker Rd. Suite 3
Long Beach, CA 90815
(562) 985-2872
alogan@ccpe.csulb.edu
19. Robert Half Technology Professional Scholarship
Deadline: March 3rd
For professional members of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP), the Robert Half Technology Professional Scholarship is granted for $2,500 to two outstanding technicians who are planning to further their education by pursuing a degree in information technology from any accredited U.S. university. Selection will be based on demonstrated leadership activities, work experiences, academic achievements, and future career interests.
Contact
Robert Half Technology Professional Scholarship
15000 Commerce Parkway Suite C
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
(800) 224-9371
rhtscholarship@aitp.org
20. SHPE Foundation Professional Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
Annually, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Foundation offers a $2,000 scholarship to professional members of Hispanic descent who are currently enrolled full-time in a technical career field in the United States or Puerto Rico. Qualified candidates must be pursuing their first master’s or doctoral degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics graduate program at least half-time with a minimum GPA of 3.25 or higher.
Contact
SHPE Foundation Professional Scholarship
1765 Duke St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 647-2122
shpefoundation@shpe.org
21. Siemens Clinical Advancement Scholarships
Deadline: March 25th
Administered through the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Foundation, the Siemens Clinical Advancement Scholarships are granted annually for $5,000 each to current medical imaging professionals who are seeking to advance their clinical practice skills to provide quality patient care. For consideration, professionals must be pursuing a certificate, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree in any of the radiologic sciences, including sonography.
Contact
Siemens Clinical Advancement Scholarships
15000 Central Avenue SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123
(800) 444-2778
foundation@asrt.org
22. Talbots Women’s Scholarship Program
Deadline: January 20th
Annually, the Talbots Charitable Foundation sponsors the Talbots Women’s Scholarship Program to provide one $30,000 and thirty $5,000 awards to professional women who are pursuing a college degree later in life to further their career opportunities. Applicants must be residing in the United States or Canada, have earned a high school diploma before September 2004, be planning to enroll at an accredited two or four-year institution, and have at least two semesters remaining to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Related: 25 Great Scholarships for Women
Contact
Talbots Women’s Scholarship Program
1550 American Blvd. E Suite 155
Minneapolis, MN 55425
(952) 830-7300
talbotswomen@scholarshipamerica.org
23. Tourism Cares Professional Development Scholarships
Deadline: November 1st
Ranging in value from $350 to $3,000, the Tourism Cares Foundation presents 22 Professional Development Scholarships each year to benefit professionals who are currently working in the travel or tourism industry and are interested in pursuing continued education to make positive contributions to the workforce. At this time, the scholarships can only be applied to travel or tourism-related certificate programs in the U.S., Canada, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
Contact
Tourism Cares Professional Development Scholarships
275 Turnpike St. Suite 307
Canton, MA 02021
(781) 821-5990
scholarships@tourismcares.org
24. WA Scholarships for Child Care Professionals
Deadline: February 15th
With the goal of improving the field of early childhood education by sustaining dedication to the field and furthering the educational achievements of its leaders, the Child Care Award of Washington offers the WA Scholarships for Child Care Professionals each year to provide up to $3,000 to licensed/certified teachers and child care providers. Eligible candidates must wish to enhance their professional skills related to early childhood education by receiving formal training at a community college, college, or university.
Contact
WA Scholarships for Child Care Professionals
1551 Broadway Suite 300
Tacoma, WA 98402
(866) 308-3224
scholarships@childcarenet.org
25. Working Professionals Education Advancement Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Within the College of Professional Studies at Northeastern University, the Working Professionals Education Advancement Scholarship is available to provide financial support to working professionals who have been in the workforce for ten or more years in their chosen area of expertise. Qualified applicants must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Northeastern, demonstrate academic merit, have financial need, and already possess an associate’s degree.
Contact
Working Professionals Education Advancement Scholarship
360 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 373-2400
sfs@neu.edu
Scholarship Link
Whether you have a high school diploma, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or even a master’s degree, returning to the world of academia in pursuit of another degree can be an excellent option for increasing your chances of achieving upward mobility in today’s competitive workforce. While financial funding opportunities are certainly not as abundant for adults as for students fresh out of high school, these are just 25 of the numerous scholarships for working professionals that can be utilized for obtaining career advancement later in life.
