subject: An Investment for Our Future: Obama Scholarships [print this page] If you want to be successful, getting a good education is a good start. Even before he became President, Barack Obama spoke about the need to make education a priority. Free money through grants and scholarships is only the beginning. Although the economy has dramatically fallen, college prices have continued to rise for many years. Schools don't offer scholarships to ever student to cover necessary expenses. Low-income students suffer the most if they are unable to secure enough scholarship or grant money. A large number of these people are working mothers. 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. 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. 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. 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. Since many single working mothers have low incomes, these programs are a major help. 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. Through the recent stimulus package, many undergraduate and graduate loans will be less of a burden. Preparing schools and students for success is an important Obama administration mission. Higher education at a 2-year college can be a great option, and there is emphasis being put on that fact. Community college is important to prepare students for a 4-year college but also to prepare them for a 2-year degree or technical skill. 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." The President's actions are reflecting his words. Grants for moms are just a small but vital part of the education mission. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.
