Scholarships for Pregnant Women in Pennsylvania: A High-Impact Guide to Education and Support

Are you pregnant and unsure if continuing your education is still possible? You're not alone—and more importantly, you're not without support. Many young women face this challenge, but the right information can help turn uncertainty into a clear, hopeful path. Whether you're in high school, starting college, or returning to school after time away, your education and future goals are still within reach.

This guide offers a roadmap to financial aid and academic support available for pregnant students in Pennsylvania, including scholarships for pregnant moms, grants for single pregnant mothers, and community programs built to help you stay in school. You’ll also discover how placing a baby for adoption can connect you with emotional and practical resources that extend beyond pregnancy.

Even if you’re not sure where to start, simply knowing that these options exist is the first step forward. As you read on, keep in mind that every path described here is designed to empower you, help you plan ahead, and remind you: you're allowed to ask for help, and you're capable of achieving more than you may realize.

Scholarships Just for Pregnant Students

American Adoptions Birth Parent Scholarship

The American Adoptions Birth Parent Scholarship is a unique program created specifically to help birth mothers achieve their educational goals after placement. Designed to address both financial and logistical challenges, it provides targeted support that goes beyond tuition—helping women re-enter or continue school without unnecessary setbacks.

• Eligibility: This scholarship is available to women who complete an adoption plan through American Adoptions.
• What It Covers: Funds can be used for accredited college tuition, vocational and trade school programs, books, transportation costs, housing, and other education-related needs. The flexibility makes it suitable for various academic and career paths.
• When It’s Disbursed: Scholarship awards are distributed after the adoption is finalized and are coordinated with the recipient’s academic plans to ensure timely use.
• Why It Stands Out: More than financial aid, it includes access to planning support, goal-setting tools, and emotional encouragement to help recipients navigate the transition back to education.

This scholarship affirms that your aspirations are still within reach. Whether you're returning to school after a pause or starting your journey fresh, the program helps you move forward with confidence, purpose, and support. It’s a structured way to turn your future goals into action—aligned with your timeline, your dreams, and your strength.

Other Scholarship Opportunities for PA Students

In addition to the American Adoptions Birth Parent Scholarship, there are several national and Pennsylvania-based scholarships designed to support parenting and pregnant students. These programs help bridge financial gaps and offer essential support for women returning to or continuing school while raising a child.

• Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation: Offers annual awards of up to $5,000 for low-income women with children pursuing a degree or vocational training. Selection is based on financial need, personal goals, and a commitment to education.
• Jeanette Rankin Foundation: Provides scholarships for women aged 25 and older who are pursuing an undergraduate degree or technical education. Ideal for parenting students returning to school after time away from the classroom.
• Raise the Barr Foundation: Focused on single-parent students, this foundation provides flexible, needs-based financial assistance, along with academic coaching and emergency grants. Applicants must demonstrate clear educational and parenting responsibilities.
• Live Your Dream Awards (Soroptimist): Awards range from $1,000 to $16,000 for women who are primary earners in their households and seeking education to improve their financial situations. This highly competitive scholarship prioritizes women overcoming adversity.
• Community College Programs: Institutions such as Harrisburg Area Community College and the Community College of Philadelphia provide targeted support for parenting students. Many offer book stipends, on-campus child care grants, and participation in KEYS (Keystone Education Yields Success), which supports TANF-eligible students with mentoring, academic planning, and job readiness.

Reach out to your school’s financial aid office and ask about discretionary emergency funds, retention grants, or special scholarships for parenting students. Many colleges maintain unadvertised support programs for students managing family responsibilities while in school.

Financial Aid for Pregnant Students in Pennsylvania

Filing for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Pregnancy may increase your access to financial aid, and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your first step. FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for grants, loans, and campus-based programs—both at the federal and state level.

• Independent Student Status: If you're pregnant and will provide more than half of your child's financial support, you may qualify as an independent student. This means your financial aid will be based on your own income, not your parents'.
• Special Circumstances Review: If your financial situation has changed due to pregnancy-related job loss, reduced income, or high medical expenses, you can request a professional judgment review. This allows your school to adjust your aid based on your current financial reality.
• Dependency Override: If you're considered dependent on paper but face unusual or challenging home circumstances—like being unsupported by your parents—you can request a dependency override from your financial aid office.
• Include Pennsylvania Colleges: Listing PA-based schools on your FAFSA ensures you're also considered for state-specific aid programs, such as those administered by PHEAA.

Apply early. Many types of aid are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Use the FAFSA4caster to estimate your eligibility and speak directly with your school's financial aid advisor. Starting early and staying proactive can significantly increase the support you receive.

Pennsylvania State Financial Aid

• PHEAA: The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency helps students access grants, financial counseling, and loan forgiveness programs.
• PA State Grant Program: Offers need-based funding to full- and part-time students at eligible PA institutions.
• PEGP: Covers full tuition for children of fallen public servants—rare, but valuable for qualifying students.

Title IX Rights for Pregnant and Parenting Students

Title IX is a federal law that protects your right to stay in school and continue your education during pregnancy and parenting. If your school receives federal funding—which includes most public and many private schools—it is legally required to provide fair treatment and reasonable accommodations.

• Protection from Dismissal: Schools cannot force you to drop out, withdraw, or change your academic plans solely because you are pregnant or parenting.
• Excused Medical Absences: Absences for prenatal appointments, childbirth, recovery, and related medical needs must be excused with documentation from a healthcare provider.
• Equal Access and Participation: You have the right to continue participating in classes, extracurricular activities, honors programs, internships, and athletics.
• Voluntary Alternative Programs: If your school offers home instruction or modified academic programs, participation must be voluntary—not required or forced.

If you experience barriers or bias, speak directly with your school’s Title IX coordinator. They are responsible for ensuring your rights are upheld and for helping you request accommodations, such as extended deadlines or adjusted attendance policies. Knowing your rights and advocating for them can ensure your education stays on track during and after pregnancy.

Grants for Pregnant Single Mothers in PA

Federal Education Grants

Federal grants are often the foundation of a pregnant student's financial aid package. These need-based awards can significantly lower or even eliminate the cost of tuition.

• Pell Grant: Awarded to low-income undergraduate students, the Pell Grant provides up to several thousand dollars per year. This funding does not need to be repaid and can be applied to tuition, books, and other school-related expenses.
• FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant): This grant supplements the Pell Grant for students with the highest financial need. It’s distributed by your college’s financial aid office and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
• TEACH Grant: For students planning to become teachers in high-need fields or underserved areas. The grant converts to a loan if the service obligation is not fulfilled after graduation.

These federal aid programs can be layered with state and institutional funding to reduce the financial burden of attending college.

Job Training and Career Readiness

Job training grants provide an alternative to traditional degrees, offering quicker entry into the workforce—ideal for mothers needing flexible timelines.

• WIOA Grants (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act): Fund training in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. They often cover tuition, books, and certification costs.
• CareerLink PA: A free employment service network that offers career assessments, resume workshops, job placement services, and referrals for child care support. CareerLink also helps students access WIOA-funded programs.
• TAA (Trade Adjustment Assistance): Provides full tuition coverage, relocation support, and living stipends for individuals who lost employment due to trade-related changes. Pregnant students entering new industries may qualify if they meet prior employment criteria.

These programs are designed to lead directly to in-demand, sustainable careers, making them especially useful for single mothers seeking stability.

Local and Private Grants

Local organizations and nonprofits offer targeted support that complements federal aid. These programs often include wraparound services like housing and child care support.

• Women’s Independence Scholarship Program: Specifically for women who have experienced domestic violence. Awards may be used for tuition, books, and fees. Applicants must be separated from their abuser and enrolled in an accredited institution.
• YWCA & Urban League: Provide scholarships, mentoring programs, job readiness training, and professional attire services. Some branches also offer housing support for women transitioning back to school.
• Community Action Agencies: These county-based agencies offer holistic support including emergency rent, utility assistance, child care subsidies, and financial coaching. Many also administer educational grant funds for low-income mothers.

Action Plan: Start locally. Contact your regional YWCA, United Way, or Community Action Agency. These organizations often coordinate with schools and government offices to help eligible applicants navigate and access multiple grant opportunities.

See how adoption can expand your opportunities.

Government and Nonprofit Help

Public Benefits and Support Resources

Accessing public benefits is often essential for pregnant students trying to manage daily expenses while pursuing education or job training. These programs help cover basic living needs so you can focus on your goals without unnecessary financial stress.

• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): Provides monthly cash assistance to qualifying low-income households, including pregnant women and single mothers. Funds can be used for food, housing, and essential bills.
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Helps cover grocery costs with an EBT card. Eligibility is based on income and household size and can include pregnant women who live alone or with dependents.
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Offers nutrition education and food vouchers for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under five. It also provides formula and infant care essentials.

Healthcare, Housing, and Transit Assistance

• Medicaid: Covers prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum services. Pregnant students can often qualify even if they were not eligible before pregnancy.
• Maternity Housing Programs: Safe housing options for expectant mothers facing housing insecurity. Programs like Genesis of Pittsburgh provide shelter, counseling, and life skills training.
• Section 8 Housing Vouchers: Provide rental assistance to low-income households. Priority may be given to pregnant women or families with children.
• Transportation Vouchers: County-level programs help pay for travel to medical appointments, job training, or school. Contact your local human services office for eligibility details.

Family Support and Navigation Services

• PA COMPASS: An online application portal for multiple state-run services including Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF. It simplifies the process of applying to several benefits at once.
• Pregnancy Resource Networks: Provide confidential counseling, maternity clothes, car seats, and referrals to prenatal care and education resources. Some also host support groups for young mothers.
• Family Support Centers: Local hubs that offer parenting workshops, baby supplies (e.g., diapers and formula), budgeting classes, and peer support. Many centers are affiliated with your local health department.

These support services ensure that critical daily needs—like housing, food, health care, and child care—are addressed while you focus on finishing school or training. Connecting with a case manager or social worker can help you apply for multiple programs and stay on track with your education plan.

Adoption Support for Students

During Pregnancy

American Adoptions provides comprehensive support tailored for expectant mothers pursuing adoption and education simultaneously. These services are designed to ease the financial, emotional, and logistical challenges you may face during this time.

• Living Expenses: Assistance with housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation so you can focus on your health and education.
• Medical Care: All pregnancy-related medical expenses, including prenatal care, labor, and delivery, are covered at no cost to you.
• Counseling Services: Licensed counselors offer emotional support and guidance throughout your pregnancy and adoption journey—before, during, and after placement.
• Academic Flexibility: Your adoption plan will consider your school schedule, ensuring your academic progress continues uninterrupted. Education is part of your long-term plan, and we help make that possible.

After Placement

Support from American Adoptions continues well beyond placement, helping you rebuild your life with a strong foundation.

• Birth Parent Scholarship: Financial support to help you return to school, begin a degree, or complete job training. Designed to give you a practical path forward.
• Ongoing Support Services: Continued referrals for mental health support, career development, housing assistance, and more based on your individual needs.
• Open Adoption Planning: Choose the level of post-placement contact that’s right for you, whether it’s photos, letters, or in-person visits. Maintain a meaningful connection with your child on your terms.

This adoption support structure is designed to help you create a future filled with opportunity. It's not only about placement—it's about making sure you have the tools, confidence, and support to thrive in the next chapter of your life.

Moving Forward: Your Education Matters

Pregnancy changes your path—but it doesn’t end your potential. With the right support, you can still complete your education, launch a career, and build a stable future for yourself and your child.

Help is available. Take the first step today.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.