subject: Obama Grants Help Put Education First [print this page] For many people, a bright future starts with good education. The President has on many occasions emphasized the need for a strong education system. One major part of the effort is to make available to students more free money for college.
For decades, college prices have steadily increased. Scholarship packages rarely cover the full amount for tuition, books and housing. Unfortunately some students turn away from higher education because it's too expensive. Working, single mothers are particularly hit hard. More education helps single mothers achieve on their jobs and take care of their families. It's important to the President and that's why he's implemented a program for scholarships for mothers. Although they are the same, many people refer to Federal Pell grants as Obama grants. In the 2009-2010 school year, students could get a grant of up to $5,350. This is over $1,000 above the previous maximum, and it's a big help to moms who want to return to school. Working mothers can pay for tuition and books or even daycare if that allows them to attend school.
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. The $4,000 grant is especially great for low-income students. A grant and a tax break could be just the thing to help students like working single moms. 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.
Making more efforts to improve education opportunities is the best way for President Obama to show that he values them. The new stimulus package has some benefits for potential college students. In addition, the government is focusing on helping schools improve teaching and students improve performance. Another goal is to encourage more students to attend community colleges. A 2-year degree or the time spent learning a technical school from a community college can be a tremendous asset.
In a 2007 speech called Reclaiming the American Dream, the President said that making college education more available is "the best investment we can make in our future." The President's actions are reflecting his words. 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.
