How to Create Pathways to College for Low-income Women

Jessica knows a thing or two about being brave.

Finding herself a single mom after leaving an unhealthy marriage, Jessica quickly discovered the overwhelming challenge of balancing motherhood, and working in a low-wage job that could not sustain even the bare minimums. But her desire to create a sustainable and healthy life for her and her daughter, Ruby, was always a priority.

Jessica knew that the path toward a better life was higher education. She was armed with courage and determination, but like many women in Jessica’s situation, covering the costs of childcare, housing, basic living expenses, and a higher education felt insurmountable.

Yet, with nearly 400,000 women in Washington State living at or below the federal poverty level, it has become increasingly more important for these women to earn a college degree to make a livable and economically sustainable wage so they and their families can thrive. Consider this: In Washington’s King County, a single mother with two children will require an income of $70,468 to cover the basic needs of her family. And, according to the 2017 Self-Sufficiency Standard report, created by the Center for Women’s Welfare at the University of Washington for the Workforce Development Council, federal poverty guidelines are woefully inadequate for understanding the income needed for a family to be independent of subsidies and other federal or state-funded programs.

Solution: Removing Barriers to Higher Education

Jessica is now studying at Washington State University and set to earn her Bachelor of Science Degree in Earth Science in 2019.  She’s one of more than 6,200 women that Washington Women in Need (WWIN) has helped with the opportunity to access and complete a college degree, empowering her to shape her future and lift herself and her family out of financial hardship.

WWIN offers two forms of grants to a Washington State accredited college or university of their choice for this purpose. A General Education grant provides a one-time grant of up to $5,000 for tuition and books, and Star Scholar Education grants provide up to $20,000 ($5,000/year) for up to four years toward tuition and books. The next grant cycle begins Sept. 24.

When women receive support to take the critical step of earning a degree, they have more opportunity to create long-term self-sufficiency so that she can meet the basic needs of her family. According to recent research, bachelor’s degree holders earn about $600,000 more than individuals with a high school diploma of the course of their lifetime.

There are also intangible benefits that a college education provides. It elevates a woman’s self-confidence and self-worth, helping her become a beacon of hope and model of success for her children, family, friends, and community – showing them that with grit, determination, and support, they can rise above the challenges they face to create a healthier and more positive way of life.

How You Can Help

Here are ways you can get involved:

• Support organizations that demonstrate measurable results for women pursuing higher education. The average GPA of WWIN grantees pursuing higher education is 3.49, with many earning a 4.0.
• Engage with organizations that work with their clients beyond financial support. Often it is the care beyond the money that makes the difference between success and failure. In addition to providing end-of-term updates on their academic progress, and plans for graduation and employment, WWIN’s grant recipients are regularly given positive messages of encouragement and care from its staff and donors. For many of the women WWIN serves, this message of belief is what gives them hope.
• Create a woman’s empowerment giving circle with the goal of helping a woman persist through college.
• Attend WWIN’s Inspiring Women Luncheon on March 26, 2019.