subject: Obama Scholarships: Money to Help You Attend College [print this page] Obama Scholarships: Money to Help You Attend College
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. 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. College costs can really add up especially when money for things besides tuition and housing is considered. Many young adults choose to forgo college because of the cost. Single moms are especially affected in a bad way. To put more educated minds in the workforce and ensure that families are cared for, it's important to educate moms. 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. These grants award a student over $5,000 to go to college. For mothers and other students, this is increase of available money is valuable help. Tuition, books, travel and school supplies are all expenses that students can cover with grant money. 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. This is a worthy incentive, especially for schools that are less expensive. Both of these tax programs help single moms tremendously because they are traditionally low-income individuals. There are plenty of options on where, when and what a student can study. With more incentives, more ambitious adults will realize their goal to get a college degree. Obama's efforts to improve education show that he takes this issue seriously. With some changes to the lending system, many graduate and undergraduate loans will be less costly. The administration is also focusing on improving the performance of schools at all levels. 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 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." 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.
