subject: Top Priority: Education [print this page] Top Priority: Education Top Priority: Education
It's widely accepted that education is important to having a successful future. Since running for office in 2008, President Barack Obama has made education a priority issue for his administration. Free money through grants and scholarships is only the beginning. Expenses like college tuition and housing grow even as the economy suffers. Tuition and housing costs often far exceed scholarship offers. Many potential students suffer and are unable to afford to go to college. Single, working moms are a big section of this group. Educating women and single moms is important to increase the workforce and help provide for children and families. Creating college grants for moms is one way the President is dealing with this issue. If you've heard of Obama grants for moms, know that people are referring to Federal Pell Grants. In the 2009-2010 school year, students could get a grant of up to $5,350. This is an increase of $1,000 over the previous maximum, and the goal is to help working mothers return to school. The scholarship money covers practically all school-related expenses. Single moms should also consider the American Opportunity Tax Credit. Under this incentive program, education costs up to $4,000 are cleared. At less expensive schools in particular this is a big credit. A grant for a working mother as well as a tax credit can help fund much-appreciated educational advancement. There are almost no restrictions on where and what a student studies. Now the expenses are just a little lighter, and eager mothers can enroll in school. Increasing educational opportunity and performance is undoubtedly one of the President's goals. With the recent passage of the economic stimulus plan, a lot of college loans will be offered by the government. The administration is also focusing on improving the performance of schools at all levels. The President believes community colleges need to become viable options. At a community college students can gain important knowledge as well as save money. "We need to put a college education within reach of every American. That's the best investment we can make in our future." Those are the words of President Obama in his 2007 speech Reclaiming the American Dream. The President has shown a good effort to support his words through action. Scholarships for moms are only a small part of the mission to help educate more people. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.
