subject: An Investment For Our Future: Obama Grants [print this page] For many people, a bright future starts with good education. Since running for office in 2008, President Barack Obama has made education a priority issue for his administration. One major part of the effort is to make available to students more free money for college.
One familiar part of the economic meltdown is the rise in college tuition and other costs. Tuition and housing costs often far exceed scholarship offers. Many young adults choose to forgo college because of the cost. One group that is particularly hit hard is single mothers. Helping single mothers get an education helps their families and future employers. It's important to the President and that's why he's implemented a program for scholarships for mothers. There is no difference between Federal Pell Grants and Obama grants. The name "Obama grants" came as a result of the President's emphasis on educating moms. To help with university costs, a student can earn more than $5,000. This is over $1,000 above the previous maximum, and it's a big help to moms who want to return to school. Tuition, books, travel and school supplies are all expenses that students can cover with grant money.
There's also another great program: the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This tax credit makes a way for students to write off the first $4,000 of their education costs. 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. Students have numerous school options: full-time or part-time, 2-year or 4-year college, multiple majors. 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. The stimulus plan that passed has some provisions to make the college loan process easier. In addition, the government is focusing on helping schools improve teaching and students improve performance. 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.
"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. The President has shown a good effort to support his words through 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.
