OW, Learn More To Earn More (NAPSA)—If you’re like many American workers, you plan to put in a little overtime and spend a few extra years in the workforce before youretire. In fact, experts say that millions of older workers not only want, but need to continue work- ing well into their 60s and 70s. For many people, however, reentering or staying in the work- force often requires additional skills, time and money. Unfortunately, the right education and training can sometimes be out of reach, especially for individuals with limited financial resources— and studies now show that this is particularly true for women. A new program may help. The AARP Foundation recently established the Women’s Scholarship Program in an effort to help women 40 years of age and older overcome financial and employment barriers. By providing much-needed financial resources, this initiative can facilitate their entry into education and training opportunities they might not otherwise be able to afford. Scholarship awards will range from $500 to $5,000, depending on financial need and the cost of the education or training program. The money can be used for any course of study at a public or private school, including community colleges, technical schools and four-year universities. Funds can be applied to tuition and other related fees, including books. A Growing Need According to AARPresearch, women are disproportionately at risk of not having sufficient resources in the second halfoflife due to lower earnings and differ- ah A new scholarship program helps women with limited resources pay for education andtraining. ent work patterns. Research also showsthat: Only 53 percent of women employees participate in an employer-sponsored pension plan. Part-time workers, who are predominantly women, are less likely to participate in an employer-sponsored pension plan. Forty-eight percent of women have only high school education or lower. To help level the playingfield, priority consideration for the scholarship will be given to applicants in the following categories: individuals returning to the workforce after an extended absence; individuals in jobs with insufficient pay, benefits or growth opportunities; or grandmothers with significant financial responsibility for one or more grandchildren. The program application should be submitted online by October 31, 2007. To apply or to learn more, visit www.aarp.org/womens scholarship.
