subject: The Best Investment For Our Future: Education [print this page] It's widely accepted that education is important to having a successful future. The President has on many occasions emphasized the need for a strong education system. 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. Besides tuition and housing, fees for books, travel and eating are often not covered. Many young adults choose to forgo college because of the cost. One group that is particularly hit hard is single mothers. To put more educated minds in the workforce and ensure that families are cared for, it's important to educate moms. It's important to the President and that's why he's implemented a program for scholarships for mothers. Federal Pell Grants have now been fondly called Obama grants. Currently students can earn about $5,350 through a Pell grant. This is over $1,000 above the previous maximum, and it's a big help to moms who want to return to school. With these grants for moms, they can pay for tuition, books or any other school-related expenses.
The American Opportunity Tax Credit is also a very valuable program. With this tax program, the first $4,000 of community college or university expenses are free. This $4,000 write off can be a big help to many students. A grant for a working mother as well as a tax credit can help fund much-appreciated educational advancement. Study options are wide open. Taking away a little of the financial burden of college is a helpful way to get more students enrolled.
With his actions President Obama has confirmed his belief in this issue. With the recent passage of the economic stimulus plan, a lot of college loans will be offered by the government. There is more government emphasis on properly preparing students for their future at all levels of education. The President believes community colleges need to become viable options. To attend a 2-year college has a number of benefits, including saving money and learning a trade or skill.
In his Reclaiming the American Dream speech in 2007, Obama said, "We need to put a college education within reach of every American. That's the best investment we can make in our future." So far Obama's actions are backing up his words. 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.
