subject: Obama Scholarships: A College Education Within Reach [print this page] Obama Scholarships: A College Education Within Reach
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. Many important people are focused on increasing scholarship opportunities and improving education. Although the economy has dramatically fallen, college prices have continued to rise for many years. Scholarship packages rarely cover the full amount for tuition, books and housing. Low-income students suffer the most if they are unable to secure enough scholarship or grant money. A large number of these people are working mothers. Not only does educating mothers help provide for their families, but it also improves the workforce. The President believes in this and has begun a mission to create scholarships for moms. There is no difference between Federal Pell Grants and Obama grants. The name "Obama grants" came as a result of the President's emphasis on educating moms. These grants award a student over $5,000 to go to college. The primary goal is to encourage single moms to return to school, and by 2012 they could receive as much as $5,400. The scholarship money covers practically all school-related expenses. Another worthwhile program is the American Opportunity Tax Credit. With this tax credit, the first $4,000 of college expenses are free. The $4,000 grant is especially great for low-income students. Single moms often fall into this group, so these programs are particularly beneficial to them. Students have numerous school options: full-time or part-time, 2-year or 4-year college, multiple majors. With more incentives, more ambitious adults will realize their goal to get a college degree. Making more efforts to improve education opportunities is the best way for President Obama to show that he values them. The stimulus plan that passed has some provisions to make the college loan process easier. The administration is also focusing on improving the performance of schools at all levels. Since many overlook community colleges, there is emphasis on increasing their effectiveness and appeal. A 2-year degree or the time spent learning a technical school from a community college can be a tremendous asset. "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. The mission to educate all Americans is certainly helped by providing scholarships for mothers. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.
