College is difficult for everyone. It’s even harder for women who are trying to juggle college classes while working and raising a family.

That’s why Linda Lael Miller, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of western novels, decided to extend a helping hand. She is offering ten $1,000 scholarships to women who are age 25 and older. The only qualifications to apply, besides the age limit, are residency in the U.S. or Canada and enrollment in a U.S. or Canadian college or university.

The Linda Lael Scholarships for Women are different than many other scholarships. Women can use the funds for the usual things like tuition, educational fees and books, but they can also use them for other expenses that working mothers have, such as gas and child care.

Applicants must write a 500 word essay explaining how achieving their educational goals will enhance the futures of both themselves and their families. Both single and married women are equally considered for the scholarships. In the past, winners have included women who had experienced domestic violence, substance abuse, or were coping with disabilities.

Miller decided to begin giving these scholarships in 2001 because of her own past struggles. “I achieved my education the hard way. I graduated from high school, immediately entered an ill-fated marriage and soon had a child. But I have always been a voracious reader. I read everything I could get my hands on. And I learned. But it took a lot of time. And today, women without a formal education have a much tougher time achieving their dreams,” said Miller in a press release.

Because of her experiences, this author, fondly nicknamed the First Lady of the West, has a heart for women who are in the same position that she was. She wanted to start offering these scholarships as a way to give back.

“I know how it feels to be a struggling young mother with her back to the wall. I also know the difference a grant like this can make. Money, yes, but also letting women know that someone cares, someone understands their desperate desire to achieve an education and do their life’s work,” Miller said. More than $75,000 has been awarded since the program began in 2001.

Even though Miller may have had a rocky start, she had her first novel published in 1983. Born to a town marshal in Washington, Miller has a love of the West that shows in her writing. She now lives in Spokane, Wash. and has written more than 100 novels.

The 2012 program began Sept. 27, 2011, the same day that her latest novel, “A Lawman’s Christmas,” hit the shelves. The application deadline for this year’s program is September 1, 2012. The scholarship rules and the application form, as well as information about her novels, can be found online at www.lindalaelmiller.com.