subject: Helping Mothers Go To School [print this page] Many people don't take junior colleges seriously. A 2-year college education could be exactly what a single or stay-at-home mom needs. Both academically and personally junior colleges present a wealth of options. Chances for financial assistance increase the potential for community colleges to attract quality students.
A common falsehood is that only people who don't want to earn a "real" degree attend junior college. Strong course work, lower tuition and geographic nearness are three of the best characteristics of community colleges. The flexibility and opportunity are great for moms who want to go to school. For moms who want to gain knowledge and degrees, the Obama scholarships for mothers are a strong financial benefit. Getting $5,000 can go a long way toward earning a professional degree.
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. Furthermore, community colleges frequently offer full-ride scholarships to high school students with high standardized test scores and GPA. 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. According to a 2002 New York Times article, 168 community colleges maintain honors programs. The standard teachings at 4-year schools are increasingly becoming the templates for smaller community colleges. A good example is the junior college that offers study credits in places such as London and French Polynesia. The benefit is that students gain a broader perspective of the world, and colleges are able to attract more students.
With scholarships for mothers, junior colleges are even more in reach than before. No matter what program she wants to study at a 2-year college, the $5,000 Scholarships for Moms award is a huge asset. Going to school in a less pressurized environment can greatly affect performance and make achievement seem more attainable. On the path toward your career, a 2-year degree is a good first step.
