subject: A College Education Within Reach: Obama Grants for Mothers [print this page] A College Education Within Reach: Obama Grants for Mothers
Taking advantage of educational opportunities is a smart way to be successful. President Obama is a good example, and he has shown his commitment to helping others. Grants and scholarships are just the beginning of efforts to try to make over higher education. Expenses like college tuition and housing grow even as the economy suffers. Scholarship packages rarely cover the full amount for tuition, books and housing. Many potential students suffer and are unable to afford to go to college. One group that is particularly hit hard is single mothers. Helping single mothers get an education helps their families and future employers. The President has attempted to help by encouraging more grants for single mothers to attend school. If you've heard of Obama grants for moms, know that people are referring to Federal Pell 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. These grants can be used to cover many of the miscellaneous college expenses. Another incentive to consider is the American Opportunity Tax Credit. Under this incentive program, education costs up to $4,000 are cleared. Especially for less expensive schools, $4,000 could be a significant help for a student. A grant for a working mother as well as a tax credit can help fund much-appreciated educational advancement. Another great factor is that students aren't particularly targeted based on what or where they study. Diversity is encouraged. Moms and students of all kinds can go to school with a little less to worry about. Making more efforts to improve education opportunities is the best way for President Obama to show that he values them. With some changes to the lending system, many graduate and undergraduate loans will be less costly. There is also emphasis on ways to improve school and student achievement in all areas. 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 2007 Obama stated, "We need to put a college education within reach of every American. That's the best investment we can make in our future." President Obama has shown he is serious about action. Even though Obama's grants for moms get much attention they are certainly not the only important opportunity being offered. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.
