subject: Obama Grants For Moms: A College Education Within Reach [print this page] It's widely accepted that education is important to having a successful 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. Schools don't offer scholarships to ever student to cover necessary expenses. Many potential students suffer and are unable to afford to go to college. Single, working moms are a big section of this group. More education helps single mothers achieve on their jobs and take care of their families. The President has attempted to help by encouraging more grants for single mothers to attend school. 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. Before Pell grants maxed out at about $4,000. These grants can be used to cover many of the miscellaneous college expenses.
Another incentive to consider is the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This program allows the first $4,000 of education expenses to be free. This $4,000 write off can be a big help to many students. Since many single working mothers have low incomes, these programs are a major help. Another great factor is that students aren't particularly targeted based on what or where they study. Diversity is encouraged. Taking away a little of the financial burden of college is a helpful way to get more students enrolled.
The President has demonstrated that he considers this issue a priority. Through the recent stimulus package, many undergraduate and graduate loans will be less of a burden. The administration is also focusing on improving the performance of schools at all levels. Since many overlook community colleges, there is emphasis on increasing their effectiveness and appeal. Community colleges are more than a stepping stone on the way to a university. They are valuable institutions.
In a 2007 speech called Reclaiming the American Dream, the President said that making college education more available is "the best investment we can make in our future." The President has shown a good effort to support his words through action. 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.
