subject: Moms: Community College and You [print this page] Community colleges often get picked onCommunity colleges often get picked on. For busy moms community college can be a wonderful idea. There are a number of academic and personal benefits to attending a junior college, and these schools eagerly welcome high-achievers. Add in a financial advantage or two and your education is within reach. For a long time 2-year colleges have seemed like schools to go to in order to waste time and money. The truth is that junior colleges are a welcoming environment that is usually close to home, relatively inexpensive and full of challenging course offerings. The flexibility and opportunity are great for moms who want to go to school. Started in 2009, the Scholarships for Moms program helps to enroll moms in colleges and universities of all kinds. The $5,000 grant is a huge bonus for going to college. One of the biggest attractions to junior colleges is the financial savings. Even with a $5,000 Pell Grant for a mother, saving money is always important. The cost of attendance at junior colleges is often half that of 4-year schools. There is much competition at liberal arts colleges for scholarships, but at many junior colleges high SAT scores and GPA almost guarantee a significant scholarship. 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. 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. Some schools allow students to study subjects like philosophy and cultural art in places around the world. All of these diverse courses and study opportunities expand students' knowledge and help them enroll in 4-year colleges. Attending a community college is made even more accessible for mothers who have earned a Pell Grant. Even as they benefit from a $5,000 grant, mothers can reap the financial savings benefits of going to a small local college. Going to school in a less pressurized environment can greatly affect performance and make achievement seem more attainable. A 2-year associate degree is a great start to sound career development.
