Single Mother Scholars – HOPE Network for Single Mothers

Meet the winners

With more than 140 scholarships totaling over $197,000 since 1988, HOPE Network is proud of our role in families’ futures. With help from HOPE Network, women are inspiring their children, completing degrees, and building family-supporting careers.

Our winners for the 2025-2026 school year represent diverse circumstances, institutions, and areas of study. Keep reading for their stories.

2025-2026

Alina Swider

UW-Milwaukee
Supply Chain & Operations Management

My goal is to complete my degree by my expected graduation date, which would be this December. I hope to secure a job in Supply Chain, involving logistics, following graduation. Being a single mother has affected these goals as being a mother is my priority, however, I also want to achieve my goals to assure my son has a great upbringing. Financially, it has been difficult, however I know if I remain focused and driven I can achieve my goals. I would tell other single mothers that remaining in higher education is not just bettering yourself, but also your family.

Haley Peronto

UW-Milwaukee – Nursing

My goal is to become a nurse to provide compassionate care and a stable future for my child. As a single mother, balancing parenting, work, and school has been challenging, but it fuels my determination. Juggling coursework, childcare, and finances has tested my limits, but my passion for nursing keeps me motivated. I’ve learned to ask for help and build a strong support system. My advice to other single mothers is to stay persistent, be kind to yourself, and use every resource available the journey is tough, but the rewards make it worthwhile.

Destiny Eberhardt

Nursing | Undergraduate
UW-Milwaukee School of Nursing

Mother of 4
My goal is to complete my BSN at UWM and work in an ICU to gain experience needed to become a CRNA. As a single mother, I’ve faced setbacks—pausing school due to my children’s needs and lacking support—but I keep pushing forward to set an example for them. I advise other single moms to stay strong and give themselves grace. Progress is progress. Losing my mother during my first semester was devastating, but her memory motivates me daily. This scholarship would ease my financial burden and help me stay on track toward my goals.