subject: Obama Grants: Education Is Top Priority [print this page] Education is always an important key to a good future. President Obama is a good example, and he has shown his commitment to helping others. 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. 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. More education helps single mothers achieve on their jobs and take care of their families. More scholarships for single moms is one way to improve the situation. Because of his efforts many people now refer to Federal Pell Grants as Obama grants. These grants award a student over $5,000 to go to college. This is over $1,000 above the previous maximum, and it's a big help to moms who want to return to school. The scholarship money covers practically all school-related expenses.
The American Opportunity Tax Credit is also a very valuable program. This program allows the first $4,000 of education expenses to be free. The $4,000 grant is especially great for low-income students. A grant and a tax break could be just the thing to help students like working single moms. Students have numerous school options: full-time or part-time, 2-year or 4-year college, multiple majors. Moms and students of all kinds can go to school with a little less to worry about.
Increasing educational opportunity and performance is undoubtedly one of the President's goals. 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. Higher education at a 2-year college can be a great option, and there is emphasis being put on that fact. 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. Even though Obama's grants for moms get much attention they are certainly not the only important opportunity being offered. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.
