subject: Obama Grants: Money For College [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. One major part of the effort is to make available to students more free money for college.
Expenses like college tuition and housing grow even as the economy suffers. College costs can really add up especially when money for things besides tuition and housing is considered. Unfortunately some students turn away from higher education because it's too expensive. A large number of these people are working mothers. To put more educated minds in the workforce and ensure that families are cared for, it's important to educate moms. More scholarships for single moms is one way to improve the situation. Federal Pell Grants have now been fondly called Obama grants. With these grants, college-bound students can receive over $5,000 to pay for school. For mothers and other students, this is increase of available money is valuable help. 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. At less expensive schools in particular this is a big credit. A grant and a tax break could be just the thing to help students like working single moms. There are almost no restrictions on where and what a student studies. With a few less money worries, more single mothers can attend college.
Increasing educational opportunity and performance is undoubtedly one of the President's goals. With some changes to the lending system, many graduate and undergraduate loans will be less costly. There is also emphasis on ways to improve school and student achievement in all areas. The President believes community colleges need to become viable options. At a community college students can gain important knowledge as well as save money.
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." The President's actions are reflecting his words. 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.
