ANSWER Scholarship

ANSWER Scholarship

Organization: ANSWER Scholarship, Inc.
Location: Charlotte, NC (Mecklenburg and 11 surrounding counties in the Carolinas)
EIN: 81-0834789
Contact: 704-544-1988 | info@answerscholarship.org
Address: 9805 Sandy Rock Pl., Suite C #208, Charlotte, NC 28277

Mission

To mentor and prepare mothers of school-age children to achieve a college education and inspire them to be role models of academic, personal, and professional success for their children.

Program Overview

ANSWER Scholarship provides college scholarships, mentoring, and professional development to mothers pursuing higher education. The program includes:
• Financial scholarship awards
• Mentors for Mom program (volunteer mentoring)
• Monthly group meetings with mentors
• Professional development programming
• Health and wellness education

Key Statistics (As of 2026)

• 153 moms served since 2006
• $951,502 in scholarships awarded
• 266 college scholarships funded
• 80%+ graduation rate (nearly double the national rate for non-traditional students)
• 2025-26: 24 mothers awarded scholarships

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: 25 years or older
• Status: Must be a mother of school-age children
• Geographic Scope: Mecklenburg County and 11 surrounding counties in North Carolina and South Carolina
• Education Goal: Pursuing a four-year college degree in any field OR select two-year degrees

What They Fund

• Four-year bachelor's degrees in any field
• Select two-year associate degrees (particularly in nursing and healthcare)
• Both full-time and part-time students

What They Don't Fund

• Candidates outside the geographic service area
• Non-degree programs
• Candidates under 25 years old
• Those without school-age children

Program Components

#### Mentors for Mom Program

Required: All scholarship recipients are matched with volunteer mentors

Commitment: Mentors commit 10-12 hours per month for one academic year

Structure:

- One-on-one mentoring for advice, motivation, and support
- Monthly group meetings with all mentors and scholars
- Topics covered: financial planning, professional development, women's health, work-life balance, career development

Mentor Requirements:

- 2-year associate or 4-year bachelor's degree minimum
- Ability to relate and empathize with scholars
- Leadership abilities
- Willing to participate in training
- 45-minute phone interview with Program Director

#### Scholar Success
Scholars have graduated from institutions including:

UNC Charlotte

Winthrop University

Johnson C. Smith University

Catawba College

Gardner-Webb University

Many others

Some scholars have gone on to pursue master's degrees.

Commitment to Diversity

ANSWER Scholarship actively seeks diversity in scholarship recipients, volunteers, board members, donors, and staff, intentionally engaging people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Impact

When you educate a mom, you educate her children. Scholars report receiving salary increases and establishing themselves as role models for their families.