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Were you yourself a single mom as a college student?
No. I married during my junior year in college. I became pregnant later that year, and I took a leave of absence, returning to completed my bachelor’s degree in business administration about a year later. Within a year after graduation I was divorced and in the world of single working motherhood.

What is Project Working Mom and your role in it?
Five universities are providing more than $2 million in full-ride scholarships for working moms who are pursuing degree programs offered online. Online education helps remove some of the barriers working moms face, such as lack of time and lack of money. American Sentinel University, Ashford University, Capella University, Everest University and Penn-Foster College are the five participants. Our web site is www.projectworkingmom.com.

What career opportunities attract single moms?
Childcare, nursing, and social work may spring to mind. However, your readers may be interested how many single moms I work with that want to become entrepreneurs with their own businesses. Among our clients are moms who are web designers, day care center owner/operators, construction companies and event planning companies, as well as restaurant owners.

Are those career opportunities realistic?
Single moms are very capable people. Often a lack of time, money and confidence are the barriers between a single mom and her desired career. College is a key pathway to the necessary confidence.

What do single moms like about online learning?
It solves time and place problems for them. They can learn at home with no need for childcare or a tedious commute. Also, if you’re in your 30s, 40s, or 50s it can be intimidating to attend classes in the same room with students who are the age of your own children. The best online learning offerings enable mom to learn and achieve mastery at her own pace and in her own environment.

 

What character traits or experience do single moms have that make them successful as online learners?
Most single moms are vibrant, determined, hardworking women with a knack for multi-tasking and organizing. These are skills they’ve acquired parenting on their own. They have very strong work ethics, which keep them focused and motivated during the educational experience, whether in a classroom or out.

Do you know the demographics of single moms in the U.S?
The U.S. Census reported 10.4 million in 2002. Of them 83 percent had a high school diploma, but more than 80 percent of single moms lacked the education they needed to advance in a career. Some 33 percent of them had some college, but only 16 percent had earned a bachelors degree or higher.

What kind of disposable income do single moms have available to pay tuition?
It depends on household circumstances and priorities. Most single moms don’t have sufficient disposable income for college tuition. Those with side jobs or businesses may be using the additional dollars to pay for repairs, family outings, and child-related purchases. But I also know of some who are working side jobs or running small side businesses to pay college tuition.

Do you advise them to take student loans?
Although many single moms don’t want to borrow, I advise them to consider student loans as an option. I worked full time and took out student loans to get my bachelor’s degree. Even though many years later I’m still paying on my student loan, I don’t regret the decision. Having my degree has afforded me good jobs and the opportunity to start and operate three businesses. I’m glad I’ve been able to maintain a good quality of life for myself and my college student daughter. 

 

 

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