The job market and economy are sharply down, but the number of people going to school is strong. It's especially important that mothers have the tools to be able to care for their families. Several career areas will experience significant growth, and there will be a need to fill many positions. It should be no surprise that communications and technology are areas that are steadily rising in importance. For work and play most people use several forms of sophisticated technology. Technological systems are often complex which is why intelligent people are needed to help make them accessible to society. Several projections rank computer software engineering as one of the professions that is expected to rise greatly in the next five years. Two other well-regarded careers are network systems analysts and data communications analysts. A second area where analysts believe jobs will open up is health and medicine. In healthcare there is plenty of variety and opportunity. Physical and occupational therapy are expected to see growth. Some analysts also think behavioral disorder counselors will be highly sought. There are many fields that don't require a medical degree but rather specialized training are specific coursework. Although the job outlook appears dark now, there is still reason to be optimistic. Financial planners and advisors, computer analysts and a number of other professions are important now and will continue to be so in the future. One common thread among all these jobs is that you need the proper education. There are many programs available for people willing to learn, especially for moms. The recent Grants for Moms initiative was started by President Obama and his administration. The program is intended to make it easier for moms to obtain the $5,000 education award. It's a worthy goal to make getting significant degrees and training easier for hardworking moms. Women have plenty of responsibility for caring for children and families, and hopefully the grants for moms can take some of the burden off trying to get an education. Universities and junior colleges all around the country have worthy programs of study for all kinds of interests. If you're a mom and you're considering what you would like to do, do some research and find what is right for you.