To the single parent struggling to make ends meet. You’re working two jobs just to keep a roof over your head and food on the table. You’re exhausted, stressed, and feeling hopeless.

To make matters worse, your eldest child is about to graduate high school. You know you can’t afford to send them to college, and you’re worried about their future.

You’re not alone. There are millions of parents in the same situation. The cost of college is rising faster than inflation, and it’s out of reach for many families.

But there are options. There are scholarships, grants, and work-study programs that can help you pay for college. You can also talk to your child’s high school guidance counselor about financial aid.

It’s important to remember that you’re not a failure. You’re doing the best you can with what you have. And there are people who want to help.

So don’t give up. Keep fighting for your child’s future. With hard work and determination, you can make college a reality.

Here are some resources that can help you pay for college:

The FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a form that you can fill out to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid.

Scholarships: There are thousands of scholarships available to students from all backgrounds. You can search for scholarships online or through your child’s high school or college.

Grants: Grants are free money that you don’t have to pay back. You can find grants from government agencies, foundations, and private organizations.

Work-study: Work-study programs allow students to earn money to help pay for college. You can find work-study jobs on campus or in the community.

Here are some tips for talking to your child about college:

Start early. The earlier you start talking to your child about college, the more time you’ll have to plan and prepare.

Be honest. Talk to your child about your financial situation and what you can afford.

Be realistic. Don’t set your child up for disappointment by promising to pay for college if you can’t afford it.

Be positive. Help your child focus on the opportunities that college can offer.

College is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With hard work and determination, you can make it a reality for your child.

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