subject: Obama Grants: Will They Or Wont They Encourage Moms To Get A Degree [print this page] No doubt higher education is important, but 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 affects single mothers. Obama grants, which are meant to encourage mothers to return to college to earn a degree, attempt to ease some of the concerns associated with going to college.
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. 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. Working moms are especially 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.
$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. A student has to pay for books and supplies, 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. On condition that any expense that can be seen to be necessary to obtaining an education, 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 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.
