subject: Obama Grants - Their Purpose Is To Encourage Moms To Get A Degree [print this page] Although 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 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.
In many cases, the purpose of federal grants is to help disadvantaged groups to attend college. The federal Pell grant is an endowment commonly given to low-income students. Since the Obama administration has stated that it places a high priority on education, the benefits of Pell grants have been augmented in order to be a greater help to potential students. 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 of great benefit to the families of those mothers, as it will increase their earning power in the work force.
$5,000 from a Pell grant may not seem like a lot of money, when you look at the high cost of education these days, but it could help defray 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. Childcare costs for a single mom, may also be included in these miscellaneous expenses. 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 is vital to obtaining an education, it can be covered by the grant money.
Finally, consider that this program doesnt cater specifically to traditional students; it provides opportunity for traditional and non-traditional students alike. If a mother wants to return to college to earn a degree, she will be 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 taking online courses, as it is to potential students who would prefer to go to a small community college. The most important thing 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, by the allocation of a significant amount of money to pay for education.
