subject: The Key to the Future: Educate Mothers [print this page] Education is always an important key to a good future. The President has on many occasions emphasized the need for a strong education system. One major part of the effort is to make available to students more free money for college. One familiar part of the economic meltdown is the rise in college tuition and other costs. 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. Single moms are especially affected in a bad way. Educating women and single moms is important to increase the workforce and help provide for children and 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. This is an increase of $1,000 over the previous maximum, and the goal is to help working mothers return to school. 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. Another great factor is that students aren't particularly targeted based on what or where they study. Diversity is encouraged. With a few less money worries, more single mothers can attend college. Making more efforts to improve education opportunities is the best way for President Obama to show that he values them. The stimulus plan that passed has some provisions to make the college loan process easier. There is also emphasis on ways to improve school and student achievement in all areas. There is also emphasis on encouraging more students to consider community college. At a community college students can gain important knowledge as well as save money. In a 2007 speech called Reclaiming the American Dream, the President said that making college education more available is "the best investment we can make in our future." President Obama has shown he is serious about action. The mission to educate all Americans is certainly helped by providing scholarships for mothers. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.
