For women looking to go back to school to obtain their master’s degree, but feel constrained by time and money, American InterContinental University (AIU) is offering a new scholarship program. The AIU WomenAchieve Scholarship provides qualifying women financial assistance to earn a master’s degree online. AIU Online offers master’s degrees in business administration, information technology and education.

“At AIU we’re committed to helping moms rise above some of the challenges they face when it comes to pursuing higher education by offering a convenient way of earning a degree online,” said Jennifer Ziegenmier, AIU vice president of university student management and a working mom. “AIU Online provides a career-focused education that helps arm students with the skills they need to be successful in the workplace.”

Given today’s challenging economy, more moms are striving to contribute financially to their households. In fact, 65 percent feel pressured to advance their careers or consider a return to work, according to a recent survey from AIU of working and stay-at-home moms in the United States.

The survey of 1,800 moms nationwide found that despite the workforce pressures all moms face, more than 70 percent believe they don’t have the proper skill sets and sufficient levels of education. This was especially true with Hispanic moms surveyed.

Yet, while fewer than one in four mothers surveyed indicated they were content with their current level of education, only 27 percent plan to return to school because of the time commitment and financial resources needed to obtain a degree. Of those who did return, many are doing so online—namely stay-at-home moms.

AIU is helping to address prospective students’ financial concerns by offering the AIU WomenAchieve Scholarship. Potential candidates must complete an application, submit a personal essay and obtain a letter of recommendation from a professional mentor. To view scholarship eligibility and application requirements, please visit the application form located here. The deadline for submissions is Monday, Nov. 15, 2010 at 5 p.m. CST. Questions? Email us at info@womenachieve.org.