subject: Obama Grants: A College Education Within Reach [print this page] Obama Grants: A College Education Within Reach
If you want to be successful, getting a good education is a good start. The President has on many occasions emphasized the need for a strong education system. Scholarships and grants are only a small part of the education system makeover. Expenses like college tuition and housing grow even as the economy suffers. Besides tuition and housing, fees for books, travel and eating are often not covered. Low-income students suffer the most if they are unable to secure enough scholarship or grant money. One group that is particularly hit hard is single mothers. More education helps single mothers achieve on their jobs and take care of their families. Creating college grants for moms is one way the President is dealing with this issue. Federal Pell Grants have now been fondly called Obama grants. Currently students can earn about $5,350 through a Pell grant. For mothers and other students, this is increase of available money is valuable help. With these grants for moms, they can pay for tuition, books or any other school-related expenses. Single moms should also consider the American Opportunity Tax Credit. With this tax program, the first $4,000 of community college or university expenses are free. At less expensive schools in particular this is a big credit. Since many single working mothers have low incomes, these programs are a major help. Study options are wide open. Moms and students of all kinds can go to school with a little less to worry about. With his actions President Obama has confirmed his belief in this issue. The stimulus plan that passed has some provisions to make the college loan process easier. 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. Community colleges are more than a stepping stone on the way to a university. They are valuable institutions. In his 2007 Reclaiming the American Dream speech, 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." With the measures he has taken to this point, the President has demonstrated he means his words. If the goal is to educate as many as possible, making grants available for mothers is a good step. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.
