CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It can be hard for mothers to pursue higher education when they have children and are juggling being a mom, working and school.
That's why ANSWER Scholarship, a Charlotte nonprofit, is giving mothers a helping hand.
Since it was founded nearly 20 years ago ANSWER is helping local mothers realize their dreams of getting a college education.
The organization has awarded over $718,000 in scholarships for moms to attend college in the Charlotte area.
Since 2006, ANSWER Scholarship has helped 125 moms pay for school.
Amanda Cavin, a mother of four, is one of those mothers.
“There were days when I thought moms are not meant to do this,” said Cavin.
Her first try at college ended with her dropping out after a few semesters.
“I knew when I got married and started having children, one of my biggest regrets was not having a college degree, and that stayed with me,” said Cavin.
From financial assistance and professional development to mentorship, Cavin said ANSWER surrounded her with a support system of moms just like her, that propelled her forward.
“They are in the trenches with you and they get that you have to be a student here and you have to go home and be a mom,” said Cavin. “The two worlds don’t always work together.”
Cavin never gave up and, with a bachelor's and two master's degrees later from Winthrop University, she is now the director of the University’s Eagle Stem Scholars program, helping students stay on track.
“My job is whoever is sitting in that chair across from me I’m here to support them and help them be successful,” she said.
The founder of ANSWER, Susan Andersen said a scholarship was the only way she could afford to attend school. This is her way of paying it forward, supporting moms who she said set the tone for the family.
“It gives you and your children choices; it expands your world, and no one can take away your education,” Andersen said.
Cavin is living out ANSWER’s motto when you educate a mom, you educate their children. She was the first person in her family to earn a degree fulfilling her dream and is a motivation to her children.
“I am proud of the example that I have set,” said Cavin.
The application period is open and runs through February 1st, 2024. Applicants can be married or single and must be a legal resident of one of the following counties: Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, Stanly or Union in North Carolina or Lancaster or York in South Carolina.
Click here for the Full Scholarship Requirements.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.