United Way is accepting applications from April 15 to May 15, 2025 for the 2025-2026 academic year. To apply, click here, and start the application process by creating an account. For questions about the WomenRise program, please contact womenrise@yourunitedway.org.

WomenRise Program Requirements

• Be a single female head of household with custody of at least one child  
• Be enrolled or have plans to enroll in an education or career training program that is at least 4 weeks and that results in a degree or credential  
• Have an annual income of $60,000 or less  
• Reside in the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg region (Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell, New Kent, Petersburg, Prince George, Powhatan, Richmond)

If you have any questions about the process, email womenrise@yourunitedway.org.

Single mothers experience poverty at a higher rate than any other family structure, both here in the Greater Richmond and Petersburg region and across the country. In our service area, the poverty rate for single mother families is 29.7%, compared to 12.2% for single father families and 3.7% for married couple families.*

Education is one of the most effective pathways for a single mother to work her way out of poverty and provide more opportunities for herself and her family. However, the exorbitant cost of childcare can make it impossible for a working single mother to cover her family’s basic needs and pursue a post-secondary degree or credential.  

That’s where WomenRise comes in. WomenRise fills a clear need in a single mother’s life by relieving the burden of childcare costs and empowering women to attain the education needed to provide more opportunities for their families.  

*If individuals are married but not living together, they are counted in either male or female householder families. Percentages do not indicate margin of error, which ranges from +/-0/5% to +/-7.3% based on population group.

WomenRise scholars are accepted on an annual basis to local single mothers with an application process every summer. Financial assistance is provided directly to approved childcare providers and other vendors during the time the mother is enrolled in classes or a training program.

WomenRise includes access to our Women United giving community members for support and encouragement as well as a set of partners and resources within the United Way network.