subject: Moms: Earn A Degree At A Community College [print this page] Many people don't take junior colleges seriously. 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. With financial opportunity you could get the education you want and need.
For a long time 2-year colleges have seemed like schools to go to in order to waste time and money. Strong course work, lower tuition and geographic nearness are three of the best characteristics of community colleges. Young mothers who recently graduated high school obviously benefit from this situation, but so also do older mothers. For moms who want to gain knowledge and degrees, the Obama scholarships for mothers are a strong financial benefit. A $5,000 award to return to school is a huge incentive.
Perhaps the biggest reason many people choose community college is to save money. Being smart with money is a top priority for most students but especially women with children. A $5,000 grant doesn't change that. The cost of attendance at junior colleges is often half that of 4-year schools. Having high SAT scores and GPA could result in a 2-year college paying through scholarships for that bright student to come to that school. A scholarship based on achievement is a huge incentive for many ambitious teenage mothers. Travel expenses and housing are just a couple of the other necessary expenses that could be covered with the $5,000 grant.
Junior colleges are becoming much more diverse and challenging in the level of courses they have. According to a 2002 New York Times article, 168 community colleges maintain honors programs. Chances to study broad interests are also part of the developing community college landscape. Some schools with high achievement have been able to develop unique study abroad opportunities. The benefit is that students gain a broader perspective of the world, and colleges are able to attract more students.
Grants for ambitious moms will certainly make junior colleges even more attainable. The $5,000 grants for moms can ensure that junior college is within reach. Going to school in a less pressurized environment can greatly affect performance and make achievement seem more attainable. Two years of study and training at a community college has many career benefits.
