subject: Obama Grants: Education Is Top Priority [print this page] Taking advantage of educational opportunities is a smart way to be successful. Even before he became President, Barack Obama spoke about the need to make education a priority. Scholarships and grants are only a small part of the education system makeover.
College expenses continue to increase even as the economy slumps. Tuition and housing costs often far exceed scholarship offers. Many potential students suffer and are unable to afford to go to college. Working, single mothers are particularly hit hard. Educating women and single moms is important to increase the workforce and help provide for children and families. The President believes in this and has begun a mission to create scholarships for moms. If you've heard of Obama grants for moms, know that people are referring to Federal Pell Grants. Currently students can earn about $5,350 through a Pell grant. For mothers and other students, this is increase of available money is valuable help. With these grants for moms, they can pay for tuition, books or any other school-related expenses.
Another worthwhile program is the American Opportunity Tax Credit. Under this incentive program, education costs up to $4,000 are cleared. This $4,000 write off can be a big help to many students. Both of these tax programs help single moms tremendously because they are traditionally low-income individuals. There are almost no restrictions on where and what a student studies. With a few less money worries, more single mothers can attend college.
With his actions President Obama has confirmed his belief in this issue. Through the recent stimulus package, many undergraduate and graduate loans will be less of a burden. Preparing schools and students for success is an important Obama administration mission. Another goal is to encourage more students to attend community colleges. Community colleges are more than a stepping stone on the way to a university. They are valuable institutions.
In his 2007 Reclaiming the American Dream speech, Obama stated, "We need to put a college education within reach of every American. That's the best investment we can make in our future." So far Obama's actions are backing up his words. If the goal is to educate as many as possible, making grants available for mothers is a good step. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.
