Obama Grants: Helping Mothers Go To School

Community college is often the punchline to jokes about college

. Trying to attend school as a mother, however, means seriously looking into junior college options. Personal benefits and academic challenges are part of the package for smart students who want to earn a degree. Chances for financial assistance increase the potential for community colleges to attract quality students.

It's a big myth that junior colleges aren't for serious students. The truth is that junior colleges are a welcoming environment that is usually close to home, relatively inexpensive and full of challenging course offerings. Mothers who work could especially benefit from the 2-year college system. Initiated in 2009, President Obama's Grants for Moms are aimed at alleviating some of the financial pressure moms have in trying to go to school. Getting $5,000 can go a long way toward earning a professional degree.

Perhaps the biggest reason many people choose community college is to save money. Being smart with money is a top priority for most students but especially women with children. A $5,000 grant doesn't change that. The cost of attendance at junior colleges is often half that of 4-year schools. 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. This is a significant prize for young moms who still managed to do well in school. Travel expenses and housing are just a couple of the other necessary expenses that could be covered with the $5,000 grant.

At junior colleges many students will find that they have study opportunities that are similar to 4-year schools. Many 2-year schools give their high-achieving students the chance to enroll in the school's honors program. Chances to study broad interests are also part of the developing community college landscape. For example, many junior colleges now offer study abroad courses in places like China and Mexico. Since junior colleges are state- and locally-funded, it helps them as well when they offer intriguing courses and can attract top students.

Attending a community college is made even more accessible for mothers who have earned a Pell Grant. The $5,000 grants for moms can ensure that junior college is within reach. These schools also allow a mom to prepare for a productive career in two years or a transfer to a 4-year college. On the path toward your career, a 2-year degree is a good first step.

by: Marlon Jackson

POST COMMENT

7 Reasons To Educate Yourself On Tankless Water Heaters After Summer Camp - The Transition Back To Home Life And School Advice for Saving on Post Secondary Education Olin Launches Executive Education Courses to Navigate 'New Normal' Economy Top Boarding Schools Can Find You The Right Boarding School For Troubled Teens IIPM- the India's Global B- school Swimming school in Brooklyn Mothers: Want to Go to School? Apply for a Scholarship Research Papers in Education: Aims, Approaches, Results Appropriate And Available Educational Toys For Kids Character Education Role of Schools in Preventing Teenage Pregnancy How To Obtain Elementary And High School Teaching Jobs 1 Year Bachelor Degree Course Offered by Distance Education