Navigating higher education as a single mother brings unique financial and logistical challenges. Rising tuition, living expenses, and child care costs add up quickly. Fortunately, many organizations, institutions, and government programs offer targeted scholarships that go beyond tuition relief—they include monthly stipends and child care support designed specifically to help you succeed academically and provide for your family.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover the top 10 scholarships and grants for single mothers in Canada and the USA in 2025. We break down eligibility, award amounts, application tips, deadlines, and how each program delivers practical, life-changing support—from monthly living stipends to on-campus child care subsidies. Plus, you’ll find a handy comparison table, actionable insights, and frequently asked questions so you can plan and apply with confidence.
Why Single Moms Need Dedicated Scholarships
- Financial Burden: Single mothers often shoulder all household expenses on one income. Extra support can mean the difference between dropping out and earning your degree.
- Child Care Costs: Quality child care can exceed $1,000 per month. Scholarships that include child care subsidies free you to focus on classes without worry.
- Time Management: Between work, school, and parenting, time is scarce. Campus-based child care programs and wrap-around services help you stay on track.
- Community and Mentorship: Many programs connect you with peer networks, counseling, and professional mentors—a support system you deserve.
Whether you’re pursuing a certificate, undergraduate, or graduate degree, these scholarships prioritize single-parent families by covering tuition, offering monthly stipends, and subsidizing child care. Let’s dive into the top opportunities.
1. Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students with Dependants
Monthly Stipend: Up to CA$280 per month, per dependant (maximum CA$2,240 per year)
Child Care Support: Grant stacked on top of existing student aid; combined with Canada-wide $10-a-day child care initiative
Eligibility: Canadian citizens or permanent residents enrolled full-time with at least one dependant
Deadline: Varies by province or territory
Overview
The Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students with Dependants provides essential monthly income to help you manage child-rearing and living expenses while studying full-time. You receive up to $280 each month for every dependant, on top of the full-time student grant.
Key Benefits
- Direct deposit of up to CA$280/month for each child
- Combine with provincial low-fee child care under the Canada-wide early learning and child care initiative to reduce fees to an average CA$10/day
- Applies from August 1 to July 31 of the academic year
Eligibility & Application
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person.
- Enroll full-time at a designated postsecondary institution.
- Have at least one dependant under 12 (older dependants also qualify if enrolled in school).
- Apply for student aid through your provincial or territorial student aid office.
Tips for Success
- Apply early: Provincial deadlines vary but often fall in spring.
- Submit documentation for each dependant (birth certificate, proof of guardianship).
- Combine your grant with campus child care bursaries for added savings.
2. Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards
Maximum Award: Up to US$16,000 per recipient
Child Care Support: Funds may cover on-campus or local child care costs
Eligibility: Women who provide primary financial support for their families, including single mothers
Deadline: November 15, 2025
Soroptimist’s Live Your Dream Awards is a flagship program that disburses more than US$2.9 million annually to over 2,000 women. Recipients can use the award for tuition, books, transportation, and reliable child care so they can focus on their education without financial stress.
Program Highlights
- Three award tiers: Club ($1,000), Region ($3,000), and International Finalist (up to $16,000).
- Flexible use: offset tuition, purchase books, secure child care, or cover transportation.
- Access to mentoring, leadership resources, and a global network of 80,000 members.
Who Should Apply
- Single mothers enrolled or accepted into vocational, undergraduate, or skills training programs.
- Primary wage earners with at least one dependent.
- Applicants with financial need and the motivation to complete their education.
How to Apply
- Check eligibility and deadlines (August to November).
- Complete a detailed application: personal essay, financial need statement, and proof of enrollment or acceptance.
- Gather letters of recommendation from educators or community leaders.
- Submit via the Soroptimist portal by November 15.
Insider Tips
- Highlight obstacles you’ve overcome and demonstrate how funds will be used for child care.
- Show community involvement or volunteer work as evidence of leadership.
3. Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) Program
Typical Subsidy: Average US$385/month per family; some campuses cover up to 100% of child care tuition
Child Care Support: On-campus or contracted child care services
Eligibility: Low-income parents eligible for Federal Pell Grants
Deadline: Application via your institution (varies, often spring)
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the CCAMPIS Program supports low-income parents pursuing postsecondary education by subsidizing child care costs. Institutions that award $350,000+ in Pell Grants may receive CCAMPIS funds to establish campus-based child care or partner with community providers.
Program Mechanics
- Institutions apply for CCAMPIS grants; students apply through their financial aid or student services office.
- Subsidy levels vary: median subsidy is $385/month, while some universities cover up to 90–100% of costs and registration fees for eligible families.
- Includes before-school, after-school, and summer care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be Pell Grant-eligible based on FAFSA.
- Enrolled at a participating institution in at least six credit hours (three in summer).
- Have dependent children who require care during class hours.
Application Strategy
- Contact your campus CCAMPIS coordinator early (often housed in financial aid or student affairs).
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress to stay eligible.
- Submit child care enrollment proof and income documentation by the campus deadline.
Campus Spotlight
- UNLV CCAMPIS: Covers 90% of child care costs; wrap-around services include academic coaching and peer support (unlv.edu).
4. Patsy Mink Education Support Award
Award Amount: Up to US$5,000 per recipient
Child Care Support: Funds may be used at recipient’s discretion, including child care costs
Eligibility: Low-income women with minor children; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Deadline: August 1, 2025
Named in honor of Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink, the Mink Education Support Award honors women who pursued education while raising children in low-income families.
Key Details
- Five awards of up to $5,000 each.
- Open to women 17+ who are heads of household with annual family income below $30,000 (adjusted for family size).
- Applicable for vocational certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s, or vocational training.
Application Requirements
- Personal essay detailing educational and life goals.
- Proof of income (tax returns, W-2s) and custody of dependants.
- Enrollment verification at a U.S.-based postsecondary institution.
Winning Strategy
- Clearly outline how the award will cover child care so you can focus on studies.
- Provide concrete examples of balancing family responsibilities with academics.
5. Helping Hands for Single Moms Scholarships
Award Range: Varies (multiple awards per cycle)
Child Care Support: Emergency funds and wrap-around services, including child care assistance
Eligibility: Single mothers residing in DFW area; enrolled in college or vocational training
Deadline: Rolling
Helping Hands for Single Moms is a Phoenix-based nonprofit that has supported low-income single mothers since 2002. Beyond scholarships, they offer emergency grants, tech assistance, and professional counseling.
Program Benefits
- Unrestricted scholarship funds to apply toward tuition, books, or child care fees.
- Monthly Single Moms Network meetings for mentorship.
- Emergency assistance for auto repairs, medical needs, and other emergencies.
Eligibility & How to Apply
- Legally single/divorced mother in the Phoenix or DFW metro area.
- Enrolled in at least nine credit hours per semester with 2.8 GPA minimum.
- At least one child under 11.
- Complete online application and participate in a community meeting.
Application Tips
- Showcase how past emergencies impacted your education and how additional support would help.
- Provide references from college faculty or community leaders.
6. BMO Bank of Montreal Scholarship for Single Parents
Award Amount: Varies (up to CA$10,000)
Child Care Support: Can be allocated toward child care or living expenses
Eligibility: Single parents enrolled full-time at Royal Roads University
Deadline: Check Royal Roads bursary listings (fall)
Royal Roads University partners with BMO to offer dedicated bursaries for single parents. The BMO Bank of Montreal Scholarship for Single Parents aims to reduce financial barriers so parents can focus on academic success.
Highlights
- Awards based on financial need and academic standing.
- Funds may cover child care, textbooks, and living costs.
- Recipients often report greater stability and focus in their studies.
Tips to Apply
- Consult your Students’ Association for the Single Parent Bursary application.
- Demonstrate financial need with official documentation.
- Include a statement of how child care support will improve academic performance.
7. Family First Grant (Select U.S. States)
Award Amount: Up to US$1,800 per award cycle
Child Care Support: Grant intended to offset child care and living costs
Eligibility: Single mothers enrolled part-time or full-time in community colleges
Deadline: Varies by state (check local community college website)
Several states and colleges have launched “Family First” or “Family Support” grants aimed at helping single-parent students remain enrolled. For example, select community colleges in Texas, California, and Florida offer up to $1,800 per term.
Key Notes
- Funds disbursed directly to student accounts or child care providers.
- Eligibility typically requires enrollment in at least six credits and demonstration of financial need.
- Deadlines align with academic terms (fall, winter, spring).
How to Learn More
- Contact your community college’s financial aid office.
- Search “Family First Grant” on your state’s community college website.
8. YouthScholar Single Mothers Scholarship (Example)
Award Amount: US$2,500 Child Care Support: Can be allocated to child care expenses
Eligibility: U.S. single mothers under age 25 pursuing an undergraduate degree
Deadline: June 30, 2025
The YouthScholar Single Mothers Scholarship supports younger parents balancing early adulthood and parenting. Awards of US$2,500 help pay for tuition, books, and child care.
Eligibility & Application
- Must be a single mother under 25 enrolled in college.
- Submit an essay on challenges of parenting and education.
- Provide proof of enrollment and child’s birth certificate.
Pro Tip: Emphasize how the award will directly cover childcare costs, enabling full-time study.
9. Moms on the Rise (MoThR) Scholarship
Award Amount: CA$8,565 Child Care Support: Funds may be used for child care or living costs
Eligibility: Teenage mothers in Washington or Oregon aiming to graduate high school
Deadline: May 30, 2025
The MoThR Scholarship empowers young mothers to continue high school studies. Its CA$8,565 award helps cover costs that would otherwise derail graduation.
Key Details
- Must be a teen mother living in Washington or Oregon.
- Applicants submit a short video or essay on academic and parenting goals.
- Award sent directly to school or child care provider on recipient’s behalf.
Insider Tip: A concise video showcasing your daily routine and time management can stand out.
10. Resilient Scholar Award
Award Amount: US$1,000 per recipient
Child Care Support: Flexible use, including child care or transportation
Eligibility: High school seniors from single-parent or guardian households
Deadline: Rolling
Funded by community sponsors, the Resilient Scholar Award recognizes high school seniors who have thrived despite family hardships. A US$1,000 award assists with college expenses or child care for young parents.
Requirements
- Essay highlighting resilience and resourcefulness.
- Proof of guardian or single-parent household status.
- Academic transcripts and a letter of recommendation.
Application Advice
- Focus on your strengths: how you overcame obstacles to maintain good grades.
- If you have a child, detail how the funds will directly support child care, ensuring uninterrupted study.
Comparison Table
| Scholarship/Grant | Monthly Stipend | Child Care Support | Amount | Deadline | Eligibility Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students with Dependants | CA$280 per dependant | Combined with $10/day care | Up to CA$2,240/year d | Varies by province | Full-time Canadian students with dependants |
| Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards | N/A | Up to 100% via cash award | Up to US$16,000 | Nov 15, 2025 | Women heads of household |
| CCAMPIS Program | Avg. US$385/month | Campus child care services | Depends on campus | Varies | Pell-eligible parents at participating institutions |
| Patsy Mink Education Support Award | N/A | Flexible use, incl. child care | Up to US$5,000 | Aug 1, 2025 | Low-income mothers with minor children |
| Helping Hands for Single Moms | N/A | Emergency child care funds | Varies | Rolling | Single moms in Phoenix/DFW area |
| BMO Scholarship for Single Parents | N/A | Flexible use | Varies | Regional fall dates | Single parents at Royal Roads University |
| Family First Grant (State) | N/A | Offsets child care fees | Up to US$1,800 | Term-based | Single parents at community colleges |
| YouthScholar Single Mothers Scholarship | N/A | Flexible use | US$2,500 | Jun 30, 2025 | U.S. single mothers under 25 |
| MoThR Scholarship | N/A | Flexible use | CA$8,565 | May 30, 2025 | Teen mothers in WA/OR |
| Resilient Scholar Award | N/A | Flexible use | US$1,000 | Rolling | High school seniors from single-parent homes |
Actionable Tips to Maximize Your Success
- Start Early: Note deadlines and gather documents well in advance.
- Leverage Campus Resources: Your financial aid office, student services, and single parent clubs can guide you to lesser-known grants.
- Tell Your Story: Personalize essays to highlight your resilience, goals, and how funding child care directly impacts your academic success.
- Network: Join single mother support groups or online forums to learn from past recipients.
- Monitor Your Budget: Use stipend funds strategically—prioritize child care, textbooks, and essentials.
- Maintain Eligibility: Stay in good academic standing and keep your FAFSA or provincial applications up to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?
Yes. Many single mother scholarships allow multiple applications. Just track each deadline and document requirement separately.
Q: Do I need to live in a specific region or province?
Some programs, like Helping Hands or MoThR, are region-specific. Federal grants and Soroptimist are open nationally or across partner countries. Always check eligibility criteria.
Q: How soon will I receive stipend payments?
Timelines vary: government grants usually deposit monthly, Soroptimist sends funds each semester, and CCAMPIS campuses follow academic calendars. Plan accordingly.
Q: Can scholarship funds cover transportation and technology?
Yes, most awards are flexible. Live Your Dream explicitly includes transportation, Soroptimist allows any cost-related expenses, and unrestricted scholarships let you allocate funds as needed.
Q: What if my child care costs exceed grant amounts?
Combine multiple supports: stack federal grants with campus child care subsidies, provincial initiatives, and local scholarships. Contact your financial aid office for bundling strategies.
Conclusion
Empowerment through education transforms lives—and as a single mother, you deserve every resource available to help you succeed. Use this guide to identify scholarships offering monthly stipends and child care support in Canada and the USA. Start your applications now, stay organized, and leverage campus resources to maximize your support network. Your academic journey is within reach, and these programs are designed to help you achieve your dreams while nurturing your family. Good luck!
