subject: Putting Education First: Obama Scholarships [print this page] For many people, a bright future starts with good education. Since his campaign to become President, Barack Obama has made education a key issue. Grants and scholarships are just the beginning of efforts to try to make over higher education.
One familiar part of the economic meltdown is the rise in college tuition and other costs. Schools don't offer scholarships to ever student to cover necessary expenses. With high costs looming, many young adults can't afford to go to a university. Single, working moms are a big section of this group. To put more educated minds in the workforce and ensure that families are cared for, it's important to educate moms. Creating college grants for moms is one way the President is dealing with this issue. Although they are the same, many people refer to Federal Pell grants as Obama grants. To help with university costs, a student can earn more than $5,000. This is an increase of $1,000 over the previous maximum, and the goal is to help working mothers return to school. Tuition, books, travel and school supplies are all expenses that students can cover with grant money.
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 is a worthy incentive, especially for schools that are less expensive. A grant for a working mother as well as a tax credit can help fund much-appreciated educational advancement. There are plenty of options on where, when and what a student can study. With a few less money worries, more single mothers can attend college.
Obama's efforts to improve education show that he takes this issue seriously. The stimulus plan that passed has some provisions to make the college loan process easier. Preparing schools and students for success is an important Obama administration mission. Since many overlook community colleges, there is emphasis on increasing their effectiveness and appeal. To attend a 2-year college has a number of benefits, including saving money and learning a trade or skill.
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." 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. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.
