Have you been hit hard by the economic crisis? If you watch news programs then you know you're not alone. Recent reports indicate that a large number of unemployed workers will remain without work for months to come. Even recent graduates with plenty of education and ambition have found it difficult to get hired. The bad news is that some experts think these conditions are here to stay for the foreseeable future. On the bright side, new economic ideas are a positive result of such tough times. The Obama administration and Congress have taken steps to make home ownership more attainable and to protect consumers in several areas. Making sure education opportunities are affordable and effective is another area of emphasis. One area that has received specific focus is financial aid for college students. President Obama's Scholarships for Moms program is as straightforward as it sounds and hopefully as effective. Building for the future begins with educating moms. If you're a mother, the grant would come from the government's Pell Grant system. Under the new system moms can get as much as $5,000 for their education. The $5,000 can be used to pay for a variety of education-related expenses. Tuition, room and board and travel expenses are some of the items that are considered school-related expenses. It's also important to note that school options are not very limited. Grants for mothers can be used at 2- and 4-year institutions as well as some online options. The first step to get any financial aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Going online to complete the FAFSA is essential for any federal aid. There are also many other resources to help you learn about what is available for you. It's possible that you learn about opportunities that you didn't know about before. The financial aid office of the college you want to attend can also provide valuable information. In the realm of education, scholarships and grants are a key component for a strong system. When moms earn grants to enroll in college they're preparing themselves to contribute valuable ideas to the work force and to provide substantial support for their families. Obama's scholarships for moms will go a long way toward changing things in a positive way. Education is necessary to equip our leaders now and to prepare new ones for the future.