subject: Obama Scholarships for Mothers: A College Education Within Reach [print this page] Education is always an important key to a good future. Even before he became President, Barack Obama spoke about the need to make education a priority. Grants and scholarships are just the beginning of efforts to try to make over higher education. 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. Unfortunately some students turn away from higher education because it's too expensive. One group that is particularly hit hard is single mothers. To put more educated minds in the workforce and ensure that families are cared for, it's important to educate moms. More scholarships for single moms is one way to improve the situation. 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. Currently students can earn about $5,350 through a Pell grant. Before Pell grants maxed out at about $4,000. Working mothers can pay for tuition and books or even daycare if that allows them to attend school. There's also another great program: the American Opportunity Tax Credit. With this tax credit, the first $4,000 of college expenses are free. This $4,000 write off can be a big help to many 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. With his actions President Obama has confirmed his belief in this issue. Through the recent stimulus package, many undergraduate and graduate loans will be less of a burden. There is also emphasis on ways to improve school and student achievement in all areas. Since many overlook community colleges, there is emphasis on increasing their effectiveness and appeal. A 2-year degree or the time spent learning a technical school from a community college can be a tremendous asset. 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 has shown a good effort to support his words through action. 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.
Obama Scholarships for Mothers: A College Education Within Reach
