subject: Helping Moms Go to School [print this page] Helping Moms Go to School Helping Moms Go to School
To many people junior college isn't "real" school. If you're a hard-working mom, however, the junior college environment may be exactly what you're looking for. 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. In the past the dominating perception has been that community colleges are for slackers or students who can't get admitted to "real" colleges. There are actually some very enticing benefits to go to these schools, including the lower tuition costs. Young mothers who recently graduated high school obviously benefit from this situation, but so also do older mothers. Started in 2009, the Scholarships for Moms program helps to enroll moms in colleges and universities of all kinds. A $5,000 award to return to school is a huge incentive. School costs like tuition can be extremely high, but one of the the best things about 2-year colleges is the relatively low cost of attendance. A $5,000 Pell Grant doesn't remove financial burdens, but it can certainly alleviate them. Usually the tuition and fees at a junior college are more than 50% less expensive than many colleges and universities. In fact many high school graduates with a high SAT score can get a full scholarship to go to junior college. A scholarship based on achievement is a huge incentive for many ambitious teenage mothers. A mother can take care of a number of necessary expenses using the $5,000 Pell Grant. The course offerings at many community colleges now more closely resemble those at traditional 4-year institutions. Honors programs at colleges are often a symbol of success, and a 2002 New York Times report found that many junior colleges offer these programs. Chances to study broad interests are also part of the developing community college landscape. Some schools allow students to study subjects like philosophy and cultural art in places around the world. Since junior colleges are state- and locally-funded, it helps them as well when they offer intriguing courses and can attract top students. The federal grant money for mothers will give an important boost to the women who want to go to school. Even as they benefit from a $5,000 grant, mothers can reap the financial savings benefits of going to a small local college. Whether you want to eventually earn an advanced degree or want to go into a business or industry, junior college can help you achieve that goal. A quality associate degree could lead to great career development.
