subject: Obama Grants Will Encourage Moms To Get A Degree [print this page] Notwithstanding 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 can be seen in many cases to help disadvantaged groups to attend college. An endowment often given to low-income students, is the federal Pell grant. Since the Obama administration has stated that it places a high priority on education, the benefits of Pell grants have been augmented to be a greater help to potential students. Working moms especially 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. The administration believes that by equipping low-income mothers to earn a degree, this will provide a stimulus to the lagging economy, and be a great benefit to families of those mothers as it will in turn 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 additional expenses of housing and travel 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.
Finally, consider that this program doesnt cater specifically to traditional students; it provides opportunity for traditional and non-traditional students alike. Any 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. Equal consideration is given 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. The most important 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. 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.
