Community college is often the punchline to jokes about college. A 2-year college education could be exactly what a single or stay-at-home mom needs. Personal benefits and academic challenges are part of the package for smart students who want to earn a degree. Earning money to go to school is also an important but not impossible task. It's a big myth that junior colleges aren't for serious students. There are actually some very enticing benefits to go to these schools, including the lower tuition costs. Mothers who work could especially benefit from the 2-year college system. For moms who want to gain knowledge and degrees, the Obama scholarships for mothers are a strong financial benefit. The $5,000 grant is a huge bonus for going to college. The most important reason for many who attend a community college is the lower costs. Moms who apply for a $5,000 grant certainly want to be cost conscious when going to school. Usually the tuition and fees at a junior college are more than 50% less expensive than many colleges and universities. Having high SAT scores and GPA could result in a 2-year college paying through scholarships for that bright student to come to that school. A scholarship based on achievement is a huge incentive for many ambitious teenage mothers. A mother can take care of a number of necessary expenses using the $5,000 Pell Grant. At junior colleges many students will find that they have study opportunities that are similar to 4-year schools. Honors programs at colleges are often a symbol of success, and a 2002 New York Times report found that many junior colleges offer these programs. Chances to study broad interests are also part of the developing community college landscape. Some schools with high achievement have been able to develop unique study abroad opportunities. The benefit is that students gain a broader perspective of the world, and colleges are able to attract more students. The federal grant money for mothers will give an important boost to the women who want to go to school. Even as they benefit from a $5,000 grant, mothers can reap the financial savings benefits of going to a small local college. Going to school in a less pressurized environment can greatly affect performance and make achievement seem more attainable. A 2-year associate degree is a great start to sound career development.