struggling financially while in school

[soon_2Bnurse]

Hi folks, was hoping maybe some of you veterans might be able to tell me if there is ANY help out there (grants etc).

I am a 39 year old mom of 3 boys (19-sophmore in College living at home, 17 senior in high school, 13 middle schooler). My husband is a 5th grade math teacher netting 25k a year .

I recieved Pell and lottery scholoarship which pays for school (its a 1 year LPN/LVN vocational school program, which doesn't allow student loans).

I know that after the first four months of the class, I will be allowed to get help from the Alliance for Business and Technologies, but at this time, I don't know how I will pay for the gas to get to school. We live in East TN, and the school is a 45min drive away.

Do any of you know of ANY type of programs that could help get me through the next 4 months (AB&T will pick me up when clinicals are announced).

I am truly one step away from being unable to do this :*(

[romie]

I can tell you from personal experience that leaving nursing school due to financial hardship is extremely painful and you don't want to do it. I had to withdraw from a nursing school that I had a full scholarship to because I couldn't get money to pay my rent or food or bus fare. Whatever you do, don't drop out because of finances--it will take you at least 2 years to get back onto your feet and into school again.

Try getting a private educational loan-- go throug TERI or Sallie Mae. Their interest rates may be high but the income potential after graduation will more than make up for it.

I have taken out a lot of student loans and I don't regret any of them. Your education can never be taken away from you, unlike a car, a house or a plasma TV. Go for it!

[puggymae]

Do you qualify for WIA? Or voc rehab? If it will only be for four months just try to hang in there - can you borrow money from someone? Take a small bank loan? Can your husband or oldest son take a part time job for four months to help out? Can you car pool with someone? Could your church help you out? My husband donated plasma for extra money when he was in college - is that a possibility? When my nephew applied to a college that the application fee was $500 my sister, brother in law and nephew literally ate 4 for a $1 mac & cheese, and Ramon noodles for two months so he could have his chance to go to that college. You can do anything for four months - don't give up!