subject: Putting Education First [print this page] It's widely accepted that education is important to having a successful future. Even before he became President, Barack Obama spoke about the need to make education a priority. One major part of the effort is to make available to students more free money for college.
College expenses continue to increase even as the economy slumps. Tuition and housing costs often far exceed scholarship offers. 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. 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 an increase of $1,000 over the previous maximum, and the goal is to help working mothers return to school. With these grants for moms, they can pay for tuition, books or any other school-related expenses.
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. 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.
Obama's efforts to improve education show that he takes this issue seriously. With some changes to the lending system, many graduate and undergraduate loans will be less costly. There is more government emphasis on properly preparing students for their future at all levels of education. The President believes community colleges need to become viable options. 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." So far Obama's actions are backing up his words. The mission to educate all Americans is certainly helped by providing scholarships for mothers. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.
