subject: Obama Grants: Designed For Encouraging 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. Family obligations and financial concerns are often at the top of this list, especially when it relates to single mothers. In an attempt to ease some of the 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, in many cases, is 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 improved in order to be a greater help to potential students, since the Obama administration has stated that it places a high priority on education. Working moms, in particular, are encouraged to apply for the Scholarships for Moms program, which is just a title given to a portion of the standard Pell grant program. By equipping low-income mothers to earn a degree, the administration believes that this will provide a stimulus to the lagging economy, and be a great benefit to the families of those mothers, by increasing their earning power in the work force.
Although $5,000 from a Pell grant may not seem like a lot of money, when you consider the high cost of education these days, it should help defray the other expenses associated with going to college. A student has to pay for books and supplies, housing and travel expenses as well. For single moms, these miscellaneous expenses may also include childcare. A great characteristic of the Pell grant award is that the money awarded does not necessarily have to be applied to college tuition. Any expense that can be seen to be necessary to obtaining an education, 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 wanting 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 mothers who would like to stay home and take care of their children while doing online courses, to potential students who would prefer to go to a small community college. All willing students are able to earn a degree that will provide them with significant opportunity in the job market, and this is the most important factor.
Obama grants are an effort by the current administration to show that education truly is the key to a bright future. By allocating a significant amount of money to pay for education, everyone from working mothers to young adults has a chance to go to college.
