subject: Pell Grants: Helping Mothers Go Back to School [print this page] Pell Grants: Helping Mothers Go Back to School
Junior colleges frequently get a bad rap. Trying to attend school as a mother, however, means seriously looking into junior college options. There are a number of academic and personal benefits to attending a junior college, and these schools eagerly welcome high-achievers. Chances for financial assistance increase the potential for community colleges to attract quality students. Despite the jokes and put-downs, community colleges do have something to offer students who are ambitious. The truth is that junior colleges are a welcoming environment that is usually close to home, relatively inexpensive and full of challenging course offerings. The community college system is ideal for moms who don't have a lot of time or extra money on their hands. The federal education grants for mothers are helping ambitious mothers take the classes they need to earn degrees. Earning $5,000 to help pay for school is a very attractive offer. Perhaps the biggest reason many people choose community college is to save money. A $5,000 Pell Grant doesn't remove financial burdens, but it can certainly alleviate them. The cost of attendance at junior colleges is often half that of 4-year schools. Furthermore, community colleges frequently offer full-ride scholarships to high school students with high standardized test scores and GPA. A scholarship based on achievement is a huge incentive for many ambitious teenage mothers. Even with some expenses paid, the scholarship for moms can be used to pay for travel expenses, childcare and other school-related expenses. The course offerings at many community colleges now more closely resemble those at traditional 4-year institutions. A 2002 New York Times article found that 168 junior colleges have an honors program. One particular school in Arizona even had various overseas study opportunities. Some schools allow students to study subjects like philosophy and cultural art in places around the world. The benefit is that students gain a broader perspective of the world, and colleges are able to attract more students. A community college education is well within reach for a mom who has earned an education grant. The $5,000 grants for moms can ensure that junior college is within reach. These schools also allow a mom to prepare for a productive career in two years or a transfer to a 4-year college. A 2-year associate degree is a great start to sound career development.
