subject: Putting Education First for Working Moms [print this page] For many people, a bright future starts with good education. Since running for office in 2008, President Barack Obama has made education a priority issue for his administration. Scholarships and grants are only a small part of the education system makeover. One familiar part of the economic meltdown is the rise in college tuition and other costs. Besides tuition and housing, fees for books, travel and eating are often not covered. Many potential students suffer and are unable to afford to go to college. Single moms are especially affected in a bad way. To put more educated minds in the workforce and ensure that families are cared for, it's important to educate moms. The President has attempted to help by encouraging more grants for single mothers to attend school. 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. This is over $1,000 above the previous maximum, and it's a big help to moms who want to return to school. With these grants for moms, they can pay for tuition, books or any other school-related expenses. Single moms should also consider the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This program allows the first $4,000 of education expenses to be free. Especially for less expensive schools, $4,000 could be a significant help for a student. Since many single working mothers have low incomes, these programs are a major help. There are almost no restrictions on where and what a student studies. With more incentives, more ambitious adults will realize their goal to get a college degree. The President has demonstrated that he considers this issue a priority. The stimulus plan that passed has some provisions to make the college loan process easier. There is more government emphasis on properly preparing students for their future at all levels of education. There is also emphasis on encouraging more students to consider community college. Community colleges are more than a stepping stone on the way to a university. They are valuable institutions. "We need to put a college education within reach of every American. That's the best investment we can make in our future." Those are the words of President Obama in his 2007 speech Reclaiming the American Dream. President Obama has shown he is serious about action. Scholarships for moms are only a small part of the mission to help educate more people. If you're a potential student who wants to make education a priority, there are many chances for you to do so.
