subject: A College Education Within Reach: Obama Grants [print this page] Education is always an important key to a good future. President Obama is a good example, and he has shown his commitment to helping others. Free money through grants and scholarships is only the beginning.
College expenses continue to increase even as the economy slumps. Scholarship packages rarely cover the full amount for tuition, books and housing. Unfortunately some students turn away from higher education because it's too expensive. 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. Because of his efforts many people now refer to Federal Pell Grants as Obama 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.
Another worthwhile program is the American Opportunity Tax Credit. Under this incentive program, education costs up to $4,000 are cleared. Especially for less expensive schools, $4,000 could be a significant help for a student. Single moms often fall into this group, so these programs are particularly beneficial to them. 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. The administration is also focusing on improving the performance of schools at all levels. Higher education at a 2-year college can be a great option, and there is emphasis being put on that fact. Community colleges are more than a stepping stone on the way to a university. They are valuable institutions.
In his Reclaiming the American Dream speech in 2007, Obama said, "We need to put a college education within reach of every American. That's the best investment we can make in our future." With the measures he has taken to this point, the President has demonstrated he means 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.
