subject: Pell Grants: Helping Moms Go To School [print this page] To many people junior college isn't "real" school. For busy moms community college can be a wonderful idea. Personal benefits and academic challenges are part of the package for smart students who want to earn a degree. Earning money to go to school is also an important but not impossible task.
For a long time 2-year colleges have seemed like schools to go to in order to waste time and money. At a 2-year college, students can stay close to home to develop maturity or save money or even take basic courses to help determine their future majors. Mothers who work could especially benefit from the 2-year college system. Initiated in 2009, President Obama's Grants for Moms are aimed at alleviating some of the financial pressure moms have in trying to go to school. Earning $5,000 to help pay for school is a very attractive offer.
Financial savings are a significant factor of attending junior college. Being smart with money is a top priority for most students but especially women with children. A $5,000 grant doesn't change that. At a 4-year institution the cost of attendance could be 30,000 a year or more. In fact many high school graduates with a high SAT score can get a full scholarship to go to junior college. A young mom could greatly benefit from being rewarded for her efforts in high school. Whether you receive a school scholarship or not, the Pell Grant can be used to pay for most school-related expenses.
Junior colleges are becoming much more diverse and challenging in the level of courses they have. Honors programs at colleges are often a symbol of success, and a 2002 New York Times report found that many junior colleges offer these programs. Many also have study opportunities that reflect the opportunities at big liberal arts universities. Some schools allow students to study subjects like philosophy and cultural art in places around the world. The benefit is that students gain a broader perspective of the world, and colleges are able to attract more students.
The federal grant money for mothers will give an important boost to the women who want to go to school. The local college scene is a great place to make use of the $5,000 Pell Grant for moms. Community colleges can be great training grounds for attendance at 4-year colleges as well as for entering the work force. Earning an associate degree is a smart choice on the road to being a professional.
