Family-friendly employers have opened their workplace doors to returning moms, so college-bound moms who update their career skills can find themselves welcome in the job market.

"It's official…moms are returning to the workplace. Whether they took a brief maternity leave or disappeared for more than a decade, mothers are revisiting the jobs they once left behind. Some are even embarking on entirely new career paths that make more sense to them today. Before making their occupational homecomings, however, many moms are looking to colleges and universities to help them prepare for the important transition.

Ask any mom who has spent the last 10 years driving kids to school, attending PTA meetings, handling home chores, and organizing family activities if they have the dedication, intelligence, and drive to work for a living.

Today's employers--especially in our nation's ever-changing society--agree that mothers have plenty to contribute in the office. As a result, many companies are bolstering their leave programs to retain qualified women within their organizations. Some companies are even paying for college training to help returning mothers keep their job skills fresh and competitive.

Employers More Favorable to Returnees A recent USAToday report found that among Fortune 500 companies, more than 90 percent are willing to hire returning mothers right now. Furthermore, they're willing to create flexible schedules or arrange telecommuting for their existing female employees who are planning to take leave. This is excellent news, since researchers in Boston have found that more than 80 percent of so-called Generation Xers who take maternity leave plan to return to work.

Despite their backgrounds and work histories, however, many moms need to go back to school before they can return to their careers. Some are lucky enough to take jobs and return to college at the same time. In 2006, an Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development survey found that among career-oriented moms, two-thirds planned to return to college for training before re-entering the workforce. Popular college programs sought by working moms were in education, healthcare, and business.

College Re-Entry Programs a Benefit to Moms Upon returning to college, moms may find that school has changed for the better. In the past 30 years, colleges have ramped up special programs for women, particularly for women re-entering college following a hiatus--even a lengthy one. For instance, community resources on campus can help women students find mentors, create a support system, and refresh their research skills.

Also, a great number of federal, state, and college-wide funding resources have been created for single parents and working mothers. Fellowships, grants, and loans ranging from $500 to $10,000 or more are available.

Colleges also offer blended degree and training programs that combine online learning with campus-based classes. That means many moms can beef up their skills without compromising their family commitments, and mothers who have returned to the workplace can study in their free time.

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