subject: Moms: Aim For An Associate Degree And More [print this page] To many people junior college isn't "real" school. Trying to attend school as a mother, however, means seriously looking into junior college options. Personal benefits and academic challenges are part of the package for smart students who want to earn a degree. Chances for financial assistance increase the potential for community colleges to attract quality students.
In the past the dominating perception has been that community colleges are for slackers or students who cant get admitted to real colleges. The truth is that junior colleges are a welcoming environment that is usually close to home, relatively inexpensive and full of challenging course offerings. This is perfect for young moms who are recently out of high school as well as older working or stay-at-home moms who want to return to school. Championed by President Obama in 2009, the Grants for Moms incentive is an effort to help more moms enroll in junior colleges and other schools of their choice. The $5,000 grant is a huge bonus for going to college.
School costs like tuition can be extremely high, but one of the the best things about 2-year colleges is the relatively low cost of attendance. Even with a $5,000 Pell Grant for a mother, saving money is always important. The tuition at a community college is tens of thousands of dollars cheaper than big 4-year universities. At a 2-year college, an exceptional SAT score and GPA could earn a full scholarship. A young mom could greatly benefit from being rewarded for her efforts in high school. Travel expenses and housing are just a couple of the other necessary expenses that could be covered with the $5,000 grant.
At junior colleges many students will find that they have study opportunities that are similar to 4-year schools. In 2002, the New York Times reported that more than 150 junior colleges have an honors section. One particular school in Arizona even had various overseas study opportunities. One 2-year school in the Times article encouraged and provided opportunity to study abroad in various places. These quality academic opportunities can help students as they work toward further degrees and as they develop their careers.
A community college education is well within reach for a mom who has earned an education grant. The $5,000 grants for moms can ensure that junior college is within reach. Community colleges can be great training grounds for attendance at 4-year colleges as well as for entering the work force. Two years of study and training at a community college has many career benefits.
