subject: Obama Grants: Money To Help You Attend College [print this page] For many people, a bright future starts with good education. Since running for office in 2008, President Barack Obama has made education a priority issue for his administration. One major part of the effort is to make available to students more free money for college.
Expenses like college tuition and housing grow even as the economy suffers. 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. To put more educated minds in the workforce and ensure that families are cared for, it's important to educate moms. More scholarships for single moms is one way to improve the situation. Because of his efforts many people now refer to Federal Pell Grants as Obama grants. To help with university costs, a student can earn more than $5,000. 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 incentive to consider is the American Opportunity Tax Credit. With this tax program, the first $4,000 of community college or university expenses are free. This is a worthy incentive, especially for schools that are less expensive. Since many single working mothers have low incomes, these programs are a major help. Students have numerous school options: full-time or part-time, 2-year or 4-year college, multiple majors. Now the expenses are just a little lighter, and eager mothers can enroll in school.
The President has demonstrated that he considers this issue a priority. With some changes to the lending system, many graduate and undergraduate loans will be less costly. There is more government emphasis on properly preparing students for their future at all levels of education. Another goal is to encourage more students to attend community colleges. At a community college students can gain important knowledge as well as save money.
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." 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.
