subject: Pell Grants: Helping Mothers Go Back To School [print this page] Community colleges often get picked onCommunity colleges often get picked on. For women with children, 2-year colleges actually have some tremendous advantages. There are a number of academic and personal benefits to attending a junior college, and these schools eagerly welcome high-achievers. Financial aid is a common concern, but taking care of that is part of the package as well.
It's a big myth that junior colleges aren't for serious students. At a 2-year college, students can stay close to home to develop maturity or save money or even take basic courses to help determine their future majors. The flexibility and opportunity are great for moms who want to go to school. Initiated in 2009, President Obama's Grants for Moms are aimed at alleviating some of the financial pressure moms have in trying to go to school. There are few better financial aid opportunities than a $5,000 grant.
The most important reason for many who attend a community college is the lower costs. 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. At a 2-year college, an exceptional SAT score and GPA could earn a full scholarship. A scholarship based on achievement is a huge incentive for many ambitious teenage mothers. Travel expenses and housing are just a couple of the other necessary expenses that could be covered with the $5,000 grant.
Junior colleges are becoming much more diverse and challenging in the level of courses they have. Many 2-year schools give their high-achieving students the chance to enroll in the school's honors program. Chances to study broad interests are also part of the developing community college landscape. Some schools with high achievement have been able to develop unique study abroad opportunities. The exciting variety of classes that a student can take will only help as he or she moves on to a 4-year school or into the working world.
With scholarships for mothers, junior colleges are even more in reach than before. Even as they benefit from a $5,000 grant, mothers can reap the financial savings benefits of going to a small local college. Going to school in a less pressurized environment can greatly affect performance and make achievement seem more attainable. Earning an associate degree is a smart choice on the road to being a professional.
