subject: Obama Grants: Education Is Top Priority [print this page] Education is always an important key to a good future. Since his campaign to become President, Barack Obama has made education a key issue. Grants and scholarships are just the beginning of efforts to try to make over higher education.
For decades, college prices have steadily increased. Scholarship packages rarely cover the full amount for tuition, books and housing. Many young adults choose to forgo college because of the cost. Single, working moms are a big section of this group. Not only does educating mothers help provide for their families, but it also improves the workforce. Creating college grants for moms is one way the President is dealing with this issue. If you've heard of Obama grants for moms, know that people are referring to Federal Pell Grants. To help with university costs, a student can earn more than $5,000. Before Pell grants maxed out at about $4,000. Working mothers can pay for tuition and books or even daycare if that allows them to attend school.
There's also another great program: the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This program allows the first $4,000 of education expenses to be free. This is a worthy incentive, especially for schools that are less expensive. Single moms often fall into this group, so these programs are particularly beneficial to them. There are plenty of options on where, when and what a student can study. Now the expenses are just a little lighter, and eager mothers can enroll in school.
The President has demonstrated that he considers this issue a priority. With the recent passage of the economic stimulus plan, a lot of college loans will be offered by the government. In addition, the government is focusing on helping schools improve teaching and students improve performance. Since many overlook community colleges, there is emphasis on increasing their effectiveness and appeal. Community college is important to prepare students for a 4-year college but also to prepare them for a 2-year degree or technical skill.
"We need to put a college education within reach of every American. That's the best investment we can make in our future." Those are the words of President Obama in his 2007 speech Reclaiming the American Dream. President Obama has shown he is serious about action. Grants for moms are just a small but vital part of the education mission. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.
