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SMSS Scholar Application

Higher education is the key to thriving, not just surviving.

And we’re here to help you finish.

Welcome to the Single Mothers Student Success Scholar Program! Please carefully read the eligibility and program requirements before applying.

Our programs and services are provided exclusively to our SMSS Scholars at the undergraduate and career training certificate levels. Applications for returning Scholars (defined as those who have previously enrolled in an undergraduate program but took time off and are now seeking to resume their studies) are accepted year-round. Applications for first-time Scholars (defined as those who have never enrolled in a college or a career training program) are only accepted in May.

**ALL applicants must meet the requirements listed below, under Who is eligible for the Single Mothers Student Success Scholar program.

Who is eligible for the Single Mothers Student Success Scholar Program?

To be eligible to apply for the Scholar Program, you must meet the requirements below. For eligibility-related questions, please email dee.s@smss-sandiego.org

  • You must be a single mother…or…young woman aged 18-28 (assigned sex at birth must be female)

  • Single mothers must have at least one child under the age of 12 living with them at the time of acceptance

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen and residing in San Diego County

  • You must be a High School or GED graduate

  • You must be receiving government assistance in the form of (CalWorks, Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medi-Cal, Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF), Section 8 Housing, or Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)

  • You must be attending…or…planning to attend a Non-Profit College or Career Training Program in the next 6-months, within our service area, and seeking a two-or-four-year associates, and/or bachelors degree or a career training certificate

  • You must be planning to take a minimum of 6 credits each semester

  • You must submit a copy of your Student Aid Report/FAFSA (if eligible)

What are the requirements of Single Mothers Student Success Scholars?

  • If you are a single mother or young woman aged 18-24, commit to the Together Team Mentoring Program for at least one (1) academic year

  • If you are a single mother or young woman aged 25-28 commit to the SMSS Scholar program for at least one (1) academic year

  • If you are a first-time Scholar, you must attend SMSS’ initial Arriving Ready for Academic Success training session, which will take place in July

  • Together Team Scholars must communicate (by phone or virtually) with their mentor two (2) or three (3) times per month

  • Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and carry a minimum of 6 credits per semester

  • Have the ability and willingness to attend at least four (4) training workshops per year

  • Respond to communication from SMSS staff within 24-hours

  • Submit mid-term and final grade each semester

Required documents for the Scholar Application

  • You must reside in San Diego County

  • Copy of High School Diploma or GED Certificate

  • Copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR), or proof of FAFSA submission including your Student Aid Index (if applicable)

  • Most recent High School or college transcript

  • Proof of receiving government assistance (e.g. benefit letter, program participation documents, or participation notice letter)

  • Proof of Identity (e.g. Copy of State ID or Driver’s License, U.S. Passport, Alien Registration Card, or School ID)

If you have met all eligibility requirements, then you may begin the application process by clicking on the Initial Intake Form below.