subject: Obama Scholarships for Mothers: A College Education Within Reach [print this page] Obama Scholarships for Mothers: A College Education Within Reach
It's widely accepted that education is important to having a successful future. Even before he became President, Barack Obama spoke about the need to make education a priority. Grants and scholarships are just the beginning of efforts to try to make over higher education. College expenses continue to increase even as the economy slumps. Tuition and housing costs often far exceed scholarship offers. Unfortunately some students turn away from higher education because it's too expensive. 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. There is no difference between Federal Pell Grants and Obama grants. The name "Obama grants" came as a result of the President's emphasis on educating moms. With these grants, college-bound students can receive over $5,000 to pay for school. 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. Another incentive to consider is the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This program allows the first $4,000 of education expenses to be free. At less expensive schools in particular this is a big credit. Both of these tax programs help single moms tremendously because they are traditionally low-income individuals. Another great factor is that students aren't particularly targeted based on what or where they study. Diversity is encouraged. 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. The new stimulus package has some benefits for potential college students. There is more government emphasis on properly preparing students for their future at all levels of education. Since many overlook community colleges, there is emphasis on increasing their effectiveness and appeal. To attend a 2-year college has a number of benefits, including saving money and learning a trade or skill. "We need to put a college education within reach of every American. That's the best investment we can make in our future." Those are the words of President Obama in his 2007 speech Reclaiming the American Dream. 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.
