subject: Is College In Your Future? [print this page] Taking advantage of educational opportunities is a smart way to be successful. Since his campaign to become President, Barack Obama has made education a key issue. Many important people are focused on increasing scholarship opportunities and improving education.
Expenses like college tuition and housing grow even as the economy suffers. Schools don't offer scholarships to ever student to cover necessary expenses. Unfortunately some students turn away from higher education because it's too expensive. 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. Because of his efforts many people now refer to Federal Pell Grants as Obama 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. Working mothers can pay for tuition and books or even daycare if that allows them to attend school.
Another incentive to consider is the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This tax credit makes a way for students to write off the first $4,000 of their education costs. At less expensive schools in particular this is a big credit. 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. Now the expenses are just a little lighter, and eager mothers can enroll in school.
Making more efforts to improve education opportunities is the best way for President Obama to show that he values them. The new stimulus package has some benefits for potential college students. There is also emphasis on ways to improve school and student achievement in all areas. Another goal is to encourage more students to attend community colleges. At a community college students can gain important knowledge as well as save money.
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." President Obama has shown he is serious about action. Even though Obama's grants for moms get much attention they are certainly not the only important opportunity being offered. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.
