Support Network for Single Moms

I can tell you this ... it's not easy being a single mom. 

I'm not a single mom myself, but I have recently had a taste of it as my husband
is a truck driver and has been gone for days at a time.

I quickly found which areas are my 'weak' spots in parenting,
housework and life in general. 

If it hadn't been for the fact that I already had a support system in place,
I know I would have had a much harder time of it.

I believe a support system is definitely a must for every single
parent because it can sustain you on those days when you just
feel like giving up.

Also, it really helps to hear another person's perspective on your most current challenge.
They might have actually gone through this challenge themselves and can give you great
advice or they can be there for you and encourage you as you walk through it.

For that reason, I like Bethany Davis' The Single Mom's Survival Guide because one of the
first things she mentions in her inexpensive ebook is forming a support network.  She knows
how important this step is to single moms.

If you're a single mom, I'd encourage you to also enlist the help of others around you - form a support network for yourself and get that extra help and encouragement that will help you be a great mom.

Glass ceiling still exists

   Even though women constitute 40% of all executives and administrative posts

(up from 24% in 1976), they are still restricted mostly to the middle and lower

positions, and the senior levels of management are almost entirely male domains.

A 1990 study of the top Fortune 500 companies by Mary Ann Von Glinow of the

University of Southern California, showed that "women were only 2.6% of

corporate officers (the vice presidential level up)."  Of the Fortune Service

500, only 4.3% of the corporate officers were women - even though women are 6l%

of all service workers.

     Even more disturbing is that these numbers have "shown little improvement

in the 25 years that these statistics have been tracked". (University of

Michigan, Korn/Ferry International). What this means is that at the present rate

of increase, it will be 475 years - or not until 2466 before women reach

equality with men in the executive suite.

     This scenario is not any better on corporate boards. Only 4.5% of the

Fortune 500 industrial directorships are held by women.  On Fortune Service 500

companies, 5.6% of corporate directors are women.  The rate of increase is so

slow that parity with men on corporate boards will not be achieved until the

year 2116 - or for 125 years.  (The Feminist Majority Foundation News Media

Publishing Inc., 1995)

     In 1980, only one woman held the rank of CEO of a Fortune 500 company. This

woman came into the top management by inheriting the company from her father and

husband.  In 1985, this executive was joined by a second woman who reached the

top - by founding the company she headed.

     Even though the newspapers are reporting that women have come a long way

and are successful in the corporate world, women are banging into a "glass

ceiling" that is "so subtle that it is transparent, yet so strong that it

prevents women from moving up the corporate hierarchy".  (Ann Morrison, The

Feminist Majority Foundation and News Media, Inc, 1955) Women can see the high-

level corporate positions but are kept from reaching the top.  According to

Morrison (http//www.feminist.org/research/ewb glass.ntml.) and her colleagues,

the glass ceiling is not simply a barrier for an individual, based on the

person/s inability to handle a higher-level job.  Rather, the glass ceiling

applies to women as a group who are kept from advancing higher because they are

women.

     Just as the overall labor market remains sharply segregated by sex, women

executives are concentrated into certain types of jobs - mostly staff and

support jobs - and these offer little opportunity for getting to the top.  The

highest ranking women in most industries are in non-operating areas such as

personnel, public relations. or, sometimes finance specialties that rarely lead

to the most powerful top-management positions.  It seems that women are shut out

of jobs in the route that is taken by CEOs and presidents and even when they do

get a line job it will more than likely not be in the significant part of the

business or the type of job that can stamp them as leaders.

     It seems to be that the biggest barrier to women in top management levels

is the bunch of boys sitting around a table making all the decisions.  In other

words when a decision has to be made concerning who should be promoted to

management, male corporate leaders are inclined to select people as much like

themselves as possible - so there is no astonishment that women are often not

even considered at promotion time.   The guys at the top look at their former

colleagues and old school ties.   Women executives are often left out of social

activities because they do not fit into the "boys club".   Even on a more

traditional level, women report there are "certain kinds of meetings" they do

not get invited to because they are not seen as policy makers.

     In a Wall Street Journal//Gallup study 80% of the executive women stated

they believe there were disadvantages to being a woman in the business world.

They stated that men did not take them seriously, they have been mistaken for a

secretary at business meetings, they have been prevented from moving up the

ladder because of male attitudes towards women and they believed they are paid

less than men of equal ability.   Many corporate environments tolerate sexual

harassment which intimidates and demoralizes women executives.  However, many

women hesitate to speak out, fearing it will jeopardize their careers.

     In conclusion, many women have been discouraged from going to the top by a

set of myths suggesting women are not suited for top management and that any

problems are being solved gradually.  (E.g.  conflicts with family and home

responsibilities, women at the top are frequently single, divorced or have no

children, proving how difficult it is to combine family and career, women

executives cost the corporation more because they must divide their attention

between career and family, women are not as serious about their careers, women

are not suited for top management because they are not aggressive enough and

lack the self confidence required for the top jobs - to mention a few.) These

myths seem  work to keep women in their place and to justify the lack of

progress for women.  Worse yet,  these myths often place blame on women rather

than on sex discrimination.

     Men in corporate management tend not to perceive discrimination as a real

problem, thereby making it virtually impossible to implement effective remedies.

White men have ranked problems encountered by women executives as insignificant

compared to how women ranked them.  Therefore, without constant pressure from

the outside and strong legal remedies, the very real problems of race and sex

discrimination in the executive suite may never be adequately addressed.  Even

though feminists have fought to establish and vigorously enforce guidelines and

laws prohibiting sex discrimination in employment, women feel they are a long

way from equality in the ranks of American business.  They feel that further

gains depend on getting more feminists into decision-making positions and

creating new strategies for change. 

Women in Afghanistan

From what I have been hearing about Afghanistan women are still being treated like dirt even though President Bush proclaimed his outrage over the Taliban's oppression of women.  First lady Barbra Bush claimed "Because of our recent military gains in much of Afghanistan," she said, "women are no longer imprisoned in their homes."

But yet it still happens behind closed doors.  Women are arrested for talking to strange men,.  Sometimes women are arrested while talking to a male relative, for riding in a taxi with a male driver, or even saying hello on the streets.

I for one am glad to be an American "Land of the Free.  I would not want it any other way.

A long way, baby?

Back in the 1970\'s there was a cigarette commercial that claimed: "You\'ve come a long way, baby!". But, how far have we really come from those days 30 years ago?

The Equal Rights Amendment never passed, due to right-wing propaganda, mostly spewed by Ronald and Nancy Reagan. In the Southeastern US, especially the rural areas, it is almost like time has stood still, with outmoded attitudes towards women prevailing.

I don't think we have come a long way. Not with some religious groups, both Judeo-Christian and Pagan emphasizing the embracing of traditional gender roles.

Scholarships for Grown Ups-part two

$50,000 to Attend Graduate School
Program Name: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholarship Program
Amount (Max): $50,000
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: For college seniors or recent graduates to attend graduate or professional programs.
Contact: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, 44325 Woodridge Parkway, Lansdowne, VA 20176; 800-498-6478; Fax: 703-723-8030; www.jackkentcookefoundation.org/jkcf_web/content.aspx?page=Grad; Email: jkc-g@act.org
Application: www.jackkentcookefoundation.org/jkcf_web
/content.aspx?page=GrAppMat&_redir=643

Education Grants for Family Members of 9/11 Victims
Program Name: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation September 11th Grant Program
Amount (Max): $120,000 ($15,000 per semester)
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: For spouses and dependents of victims of September 11th or the 2001 anthrax attacks currently enrolled in college or trade school who demonstrate financial need.
Contact: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, 44325 Woodridge Parkway, Lansdowne, VA 20176; 800-846-9025; Fax: 703-723-8030; www.jackkentcookefoundation.org/jkcf_web/content.aspx?page=Sept; Email: jkc@jackkentcookefoundation.org
Application: www.jackkentcookefoundation.org/jkcf
_web/content.aspx?page=SEAppMat&_redir=393

Up to $30,000 to Study Longer
Program Name: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Program
Amount (Max): $30,000
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: For students and recent alumni with a 3.5 or higher GPA from community colleges or two-year institutions that transfer to and will pursue bachelor's degrees at four-year institutions.
Contact: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, 44325 Woodridge Parkway, Lansdowne, VA 20176; 800-498-6478; Fax: 703-723-8030; www.jackkentcookefoundation.org/jkcf_web/content.aspx?page=UnderG; Email: jkc-u@act.org
Application: www.jackkentcookefoundation.org/jkcf
_web/content.aspx?page=4425324&_redir=706

$5,000 to Pay for College Housing or Tuition
Program Name: Christermon Foundation and the Beverage Industry Scholarship Program
Amount (Max): $5,000
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: California
Other Requirements: For children, grandchildren or legal guardians of persons currently proprietor of, or employed full-time with, an individual or company holding a valid California liquor license. Can be community college transfer students.
Contact: Christermon Foundation, 9 Orchard Road, Suite 100, Lake Forest, CA 92630; 949-837-5291; Fax: 949-837-9481; www.christermon.com/scholarship/; Email: information@cfsc.occoxmail.com
Application: www.christermon.com/scholarship/applications.php

$60,000 Scholarship Grants for Outstanding College Students
Program Name: Two Ten Scholarships Program
Amount (Max): $60,000 ($3,000 per year for four years or $15,000 per year for four years for exceptional students)
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: For students who are affiliated (themselves or through family) with footwear, leather or related industries.
Contact: Two/Ten International Footwear Foundation, 1466 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451; 800-FIND-210, ext. 1503 or 781-736-1510; www.twoten.org; Email: scholarship@twoten.org
Application: www.twoten.org/Scholarship/Entry.aspx

Money to Learn a Foreign Language
Program Name: Blakemore Freeman Language Grants
Amount (Max):Varies
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: Must be pursuing an academic, professional or business career that involves the regular use of a modern East or Southeast Asian language. Refresher Grants are available to professionals.
Contact: The Blakemore Foundation, 1201 Third Avenue, Suite 4800, Seattle, WA 98101-3266; 206-359-8778; Fax: 206-359-9778; www.blakemorefoundation.org/index.htm; Email: blakemore@perkinscoie.com
Application: www.blakemorefoundation.org/Application.htm

Scholarships up to $28,000 for Gay & Lesbian Students
Program Name: The Point Scholarship Foundation
Amount (Max): $28,000
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: All Point Scholars sign a Contract of Excellence, agreeing to maintain at least a 3.5 GPA, speak at The Point Foundation's (TPF) events, and give back to the LGBT community through completion of an individual service project.
Contact: Point Foundation, P.O. Box 11210, Chicago, IL 60611; 866-33-POINT (866-337-6468); Fax: 866-397-6468; www.thepointfoundation.org/scholarships.html; Email: applicationinfo@pointfoundation.org
Application: www.thepointfoundation.org/apply.html

$10,000 Scholarships for Young Adults
Program Name: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation College Scholarship Program
Amount (Max): $40,000
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: For young adults under age 25.
Contact: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Attn: College Scholarship Program, 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75244; 972-855-1616; Fax: 972-855-1640; www.komen.org; Email: collegescholarships@komen.org
Application: www.komen.org/stellent/groups/public/@dallas/documents/-komen_site_documents/2007scholarshipapplication.pdf

Over $46,000 Fellowships for Law Students
Program Name: Skadden Fellowship Program
Amount (Max): $46,000 +
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: For graduating law students to work in public interest organizations and donate pro bono services.
Contact: Skadden Fellowship Foundation, 4 Times Square, Room 40-228, New York, NY 10036; 212-735-2956; www.skaddenfellowships.org
Application: www.skaddenfellowships.org/content/siteFiles/
FellowshipApp.pdf

Scholarship Money to Continue Your Education
Program Name: Coca-Cola Two-Year Colleges Scholarship Program
Amount (Max): $20,000
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: Nominees may be first and/or second year students planning to continue their education at a two-year institution and may not be children of Coca-Cola employees.
Contact: Coca-Cola Two-Year Colleges Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 1615, Atlanta, GA 30301; 800-306-2653; www.coca-colascholars.org/cokeWeb/jsp/scholars/OtherScholarPrograms.jsp
Application: www.coca-colascholars.org/cokeWeb/jsp/scholars/
TwoYearInstructions.jsp

Over $12,500 in Scholarships for Abused Women
Program Name: R.O.S.E. Scholarship Program
Amount (Max): $12,500 +
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Any college or university in New England.
Other Requirements: Applicants must be nominated.
Contact: The R.O.S.E. Fund, Inc., 175 Federal Street, Suite 455, Boston, MA 02110; 617-482-5400; Fax: 617-482-3443; www.rosefund.org/programs/scholarship.asp; Email: info@rosefund.org
Application: www.rosefund.org/programs/scholarship.asp

$200 to Take the GED
Program Name: GED Jump Start Scholarship
Amount (Max): $200
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: For Child Nutrition Association members for GED classes, study materials, test fees, child care and transportation.
Contact: Child Nutrition Foundation, 700 S. Washington St., Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314; 800-877-8822, ext. 104; www.schoolnutrition.org/Index.aspx?id=1043; Email: sbleifield@schoolnutrition.org
Application: www.schoolnutrition.org/uploadedFiles/ASFSA/
continuinged/assistance/GEDapp05-06(1).pdf

$15,000 to Study Violence and Aggression
Program Name: Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation Dissertation Fellowships
Amount (Max): $15,000
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: For individuals who will complete the writing of a dissertation within the award year on subjects related to violence, aggression and dominance.
Contact: The Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation, 25 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019; 646-428-0971; Fax: 646-428-0981; www.hfg.org/df/guidelines.htm; Email: hfgacf@aol.com
Application: www.hfg.org/df/application.htm

Truck Stop Employees Get $2,500 to go to School
Program Name: Bill Moon Scholarship Program
Amount (Max): $2,500
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: Students must plan on enrolling on a full-time basis in postsecondary studies at an accredited school.
Contact: The NATSO Foundation, 1737 King Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314; 888-275-6287 or 703-549-2100, ext. 8561; Fax: 703-684-9667; www.natsofoundation.org/scholarship/index.php; Email: foundation@natso.com
Application: www.natsofoundation.org/scholarship/application/

Over $14,000 for Graduate Students
Program Name: Graduate Scholarship Competition
Amount (Max): $14,000 +
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: For full-time graduate students in communication sciences and disorders.
Contact: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Foundation, 10801 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20853; 301-897-5700, ext. 4314; Fax: 301-571-0457; www.ashfoundation.org/Foundation/grants/graduate
_scholoarships.htm; Email: ediaz@asha.org

$33,000 + Tuition for Education
Program Name: Hertz Foundation's Graduate Fellowship Award
Amount (Max): $165,000 ($33,000 per year for up to five years)
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Must attend one of these schools: www.hertzfoundation.org/schools.shtml
Other Requirements: For graduate work leading to award of the Ph.D. degree in applications of the physical sciences.
Contact: Fannie and John Hertz Foundation, 2456 Research Drive, Livermore, CA 94550; 925-373-1642; Fax: 925-373-6329; www.hertzfoundation.org/awards.shtml; Email: askhertz@hertzfoundation.org
Application: www.hertzfoundation.org/application.shtml

Scholarships for Grown Ups

Higher education is an important tool for all of us to succeed in today's America. The idea of education and training can be very daunting due to the high costs, and also because "education" is often aimed at youth. The following programs are proof that you don't have to be a high school senior to take advantage of scholarships, grants, and other money assistance to go back to get your degree or to even take some basic training courses. Adults can get $2,500 to go back to school. Women over the age of 45 can receive up to $5,000 to get an education. In Indiana, adult students can get up to $25,000 to help them with college. There is money for men, women, people studying business, people who are unemployed, people who have had life changing experiences, and more.

You can find more programs on the federal level (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: www.cfda.gov), the state level (every state has grants and other money available for higher education. Look for the state office of higher education. You can find them by dialing 411 and asking for your state capitol operator or by going to the web at www.govengine.com and clicking on your state) and local level (there are hundreds of directories you can look at; just go to your local library or bookstore and check them out).

There is also a free information clearinghouse, which offers free research either on the web or on the phone on any education topic, such as scholarship and financial aid for returning, non-traditional students: Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), 800-LET-ERIC (538-3742), www.eric.ed.gov.

No SATs Tests for Adults

One of the benefits of being an older student is that many schools do not require you to take the SAT or any other entrance exams, especially if you have been out of school for a long time. However, you should check with the school you want to attend. Each school will have their own requirements and even if they do not want you to take an SAT test, they might want you to do other aptitude tests in things like math and writing.

350 Colleges You Can go to for Free if You're 55-60

Believe it or not, more than 350 colleges and universities all across the country have special programs for adults who are interested in going back to school. This often means free or low-cost tuition, discounts on fees and books, and even special deals on housing. Anyone interested should contact the school they wish to attend to find out how to apply for a discount or waiver. Some limitations and restrictions may apply.

Over 100 Examples of Scholarships for Grown Ups

Listed below are a number of programs that can provide free money and help for your returning to school. If you are interested in thousands of additional programs like those presented below go to our Government Money Club at (www.myamericanbenefitsplan.com/trialregister704.php)

Over $140,000 to Help You Become a Chef
Program Name: Culinary Trust Scholarship Programs
Amount (Max): $5,000
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: For the educational pursuits of beginning and/or currently enrolled culinary students as well as long-time culinary professionals seeking funding for continuing education and/or conducting independent study and research.
Contact: The Culinary Trust, 304 W. Liberty Street, Suite 201, Louisville, KY 40202; 502-581-9786, ext.264; Fax: 502-589-3602; Find Out More Here.

Scholarships So Single Moms Can go Back to School
Program Name: Scholarship For Continuing Education
Amount (Max): Varies
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: Available to single parent women who would like to go to school or continue with their education, but have been denied sufficient resources.
Contact: Raise The Nation, P.O. Box 8058, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87198; 1-505-265-1201; Find Out More Here.

$7,500 to Study Math and Science
Program Name: Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Program
Amount (Max): $7,500
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: Must be college junior or senior studying math, science or engineering.
Contact: Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence In Education Foundation, 6225 Brandon Avenue, Suite 315, Springfield, VA 22150-2519; 703-756-6012; www.act.org/goldwater/; Email: goldwater@act.org
Application: www.act.org/goldwater/yysnm.html

$25,000 Fellowships for Jewish Students
Program Name: Wexner Graduate Fellowships
Amount (Max): $75,000 ($25,000 each year for up to three years)
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: Must be a college graduate who plans to pursue a career in the Jewish community.
Contact: The Wexner Foundation, Office of the Graduate Fellowship Program, 8000 Walton Parkway, Suite 110, New Albany, OH 43054; 614-939-6060; Fax: 614-939-6066; www.wexnerfoundation.org/
Application: wexnerfoundation.org/GFA/Fellowship_Eligibility.aspx and wexnerfoundation.org/Foundation/ (register here to apply online)

$37,000 Per Year to Get a Grad Degree
Program Name: STAR (Science to Achieve Results) Fellowship Program
Amount (Max): $37,000
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: For master's and doctoral level students in environmentally-related fields of study.
Contact: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Ariel Rios Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20460; 202-343-9656 or 800-490-9194; http://es.epa.gov/ncer/fellow/; Email: 2007FellowshipsRFP@epa.gov
Application:es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2007/2007_star_fellow.html#APPLICATION or es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/forms/

$27,600 Per Year to Get a Higher Degree
Program Name: DHS Scholarship and Fellowship Program
Amount (Max): $27,600 ($2,300 per month for up to 12 months)
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: Must be getting your graduate degree in the physical, biological, social, or behavioral sciences.
Contact: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 245 Murray Drive, SW., University Programs, Washington, DC 20528; 202-282-8000; www.orau.gov/dhsed/; Email: dhsed@orau.gov
Application: www.orau.gov/dhsed/FellowsApplic2006.pdf

$14,000 Scholarship to Further Study Science
Program Name: DHS Scholarship and Fellowship Program
Amount (Max): $14,000 ($1,000 per month for up to 9 months and $5,000 for 10-week internship)
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: Must be getting your degree in the physical, biological, social, or behavioral sciences.
Contact: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 245 Murray Drive, SW., University Programs, Washington, DC 20528; 202-282-8000; www.orau.gov/dhsed/; Email: dhsed@orau.gov
Application: www.orau.gov/dhsed/ScholarsApplic2006.pdf

$80,000 for Students from Disadvantaged Backgrounds
Program Name: National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP)
Amount (Max): $80,000 ($20,000 per year up; can be renewed up to four years)
Income Requirements: up to $19,600 per person
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: Must be committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research.
Contact: Undergraduate Scholarship Program, National Institutes of Health, 2 Center Drive, Room 2E24, MSC 0230, Bethesda, MD 20892-0230; 888-352-3001; Fax: 301-480-3123; http://www.ugsp.nih.gov/home.asp?m=00; Email: ugsp@nih.gov
Application: www.ugsp.nih.gov/application_center/application
_center.asp?m=02&s=01

$30,000 to Attend Any College
Program Name: Harry S. Truman Scholarship Program
Amount (Max): $30,000
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: For college juniors who are preparing for a career in public service.
Contact: Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, 712 Jackson Place, NW Washington, DC 20006; 202-395-4831; Fax: 202-395-6995; www.truman.gov/; Email: office@truman.gov
Application: www.truman.gov/candidates/candidates_show.htm
?cat_id=777&doc_id=246903 (sample applications)

$24,000 to Study Environmental Policy
Program Name: Morris K. Udall Fellowship Program
Amount (Max): $24,000
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: Recipients must be in the final, writing year of their Ph.D. work in the areas of environmental public policy or environmental conflict resolution.
Contact: Morris K. Udall Dissertation Fellowship Program, 130 South Scott Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701-1922; 520-901-8500; Fax: 520-670-5530; www.udall.gov/udall.asp?link=400; Email: curlin@udall.gov
Application:www.udall.gov/udall.asp?link=403

$40,000 Per Year for Graduate School
Program Name: Scholarship For Service Program
Amount (Max): $40,000 ($12,000 stipend + costs for books, tuition, room and board)
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: List of participating institutions: hwww.sfs.opm.gov/ContactsPI.asp?p=st
Other Requirements: Students agree to work for the Federal Government for a period equivalent to the length of the scholarship or one year, whichever is longer.
Contact: Scholarship For Service Program Office, 8610 Broadway, Suite 305, San Antonio, TX 78217; 210-805-2423, ext. 506; www.sfs.opm.gov/; Email: sfs@opm.gov

$10,000 to Study the Law
Program Name: Frederick B. Abramson Public Interest Fellowship Award
Amount (Max): $10,000
Income Requirements: None
Geographic Requirements: Nationwide
Other Requirements: The recipients must commit to at least one year's employment with a non-profit organization in the District of Columbia.
Contact: The Frederick B. Abramson Memorial Foundation, 1050 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036; 202-828-5120; Fax: 202-828-6490; www.abramsonfoundation.org/fellowship/index.shtml; Email: info@abramsonfoundation.org
Application: www.abramsonfoundation.org/fellowship/fellowshipform.shtml

Women Beware

In this day and age a new trend is emerging where mothers want to stay at home looking after the children, while being able to contribute towards the family income.

This group actually consists of single moms, disabled mothers, moms low on cash, and mothers who generally would like a better standard of living.

Finding ways to work from home, ideally doing only a few hours each day and still being able to bring up your children without resorting to daycare would seem like the ideal solution. Many moms look to the internet or local newspaper classified ads for opportunities to earn money from home. Unfortunately the scammers know this, and to them, these unsuspecting victims are 'easy meat'

Let us start with three of the most popular that can be found anywhere you look for working from home opportunities, these being:

· Envelope Stuffing

· Medical Billing

· Home Assembly

Envelope Stuffing

Envelope Stuffing scams promise moms up to $2000 for mailing 400 brochures with free postage and stationary supplies. After calling a toll free number, a pre- recorded message instructs you to leave your name and address for more information. Shortly afterwards you will receive a letter claiming that if you pay the $35.00 registration fee then for every envelope you fill and mail, $5.00 will be paid to your account.

So you pay the fee, only to find that you either get a letter telling you to place an ad exactly the same as the one you replied to, or a list of companies that if contacted already have in-house envelope sealing and addressing machines, and as such do not require your services!

Medical Billing

Medical Billing ads lure consumers with promises of substantial income working from home full- or part-time - "no experience required." They direct consumers to call a toll-free number for more information.

On calling, a sales representative will entice you to sign up by telling you that the processing of medical claims is a very lucrative business, that doctors are desperate for help with electronic claims processing, and that you - even without any experience - can do this work from the comfort of your home, after you have bought the software off them, for a charge of sometimes up to $8000

In exchange for the initial fee, they claim to provide everything you supposedly need to launch your medical billing business: the software program to process the claims and a list of prospective clients ready and waiting.

But the reality is that few consumers who pay for medical billing opportunities find clients or make any money, let alone earn the promised substantial income. The software consists of various forms and letters; anyone could design.

Competition in the medical billing market is fierce, especially for those who are new to it. Many doctors' offices process their own medical claims. Doctors who contract

out their medical billing often use established firms, not individuals working from home.

The end result is you lose the total amount invested!

Home Product Assembly

This scam can be very depressing for many work at home moms. The advert will claim that anyone can easily assemble various products using a few simple tools that you probably already have at home, and when you submit the assembled product you will be paid immediately.

When you apply to the company, you receive a booklet or pamphlet that has a description of the finished product. Once the items are finished (as many as you can produce) you return them to the company and you will be paid a certain amount for each item assembled. Once again this all sounds fairly straightforward doesn't it.

Here is the scam:

After paying for your assembly package, you will receive your instructions for assembly; you will be informed that all materials for the project will have to be purchased from the actual company involved (this is to ensure that the 'correct quality' of material is used). In most cases the materials could have been purchased a lot cheaper elsewhere. So to start with you have already paid money to the company and are out of pocket. Then after submitting the finished product for payment, you receive a letter (not containing a cheque!) and this letter informs you that your finished products have been rejected for being sub-standard due to some ludicrous reason or other.

Why would this happen you ask? Well the simple answer is that the products you are asked to assemble do not have any actual buyers. The only money made by this scam is by the originating company or individual selling you overpriced materials to complete your tasks. Very upsetting if you have spent many hours carefully assembling products you believe will provide you substantial income.

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