subject: Obama Grants - What Will They Do To Encourage Moms To Get A Degree [print this page] Despite the fact that higher education is important, there are often a number of obstacles that can hinder potential students from enrolling in college. For single mothers especially, family obligations and financial concerns are often at the top of this list. In an attempt to alleviate concerns associated with going to college, Obama grants are intended to encourage mothers to return to college to earn a degree.
The purpose of federal grants can be seen in many cases to help disadvantaged groups to attend college. A commonly given endowment for low-income students is the federal Pell grant. The benefits of Pell grants have been increased in order to be a greater help to potential students, since the Obama administration has stated that it places a high priority on education. A title given to a portion of the standard Pell grant program is the Scholarships for Moms program. Working moms are especially encouraged to apply for this. Equipping low-income mothers to earn a degree will provide a stimulus to the lagging economy, the administration believes, and also be a great benefit to the families of those mothers, as a result of which will be an increase in their earning power in the work force.
While the cost of education is high these days, $5,000 from a Pell grant may not seem like a lot of money, but it can be a help when you consider the other expenses associated with going to college. As well as books and supplies, a student has to pay for housing and travel expenses as well. For a single mom, miscellaneous expenses can also include childcare. Another great characteristic of the Pell grant award is that the money awarded does not necessarily have to be applied to college tuition. As long as the expense can be seen to be necessary to obtaining an education, it can be covered by the grant money.
This program does not cater specifically to traditional students - it provides opportunities to traditional and non-traditional students alike. Mothers who want to return to college to earn a degree are just as welcome as a student who is fresh out of high school. Consideration is given equally to potential students who would prefer to go to a small community college as well as mothers who would like to stay home and take care of their children while taking online courses. The most significant factor is that all willing students are able to earn a degree that will provide them with significant opportunity in the job market.
Obama grants are an effort by the current administration to show that education truly is the key to a bright future. Everyone from young adults to working mothers has a chance to go to college, with the allocation of a significant amount of money to pay for education.
