subject: Here's How the Obama Scholarships Can Help You, Moms [print this page] Junior colleges frequently get a bad rapJunior colleges frequently get a bad rap. Trying to attend school as a mother, however, means seriously looking into junior college options. Community colleges welcome bright students, and they have many benefits to offer. Earning money to go to school is also an important but not impossible task. It's a big myth that junior colleges aren't for serious students. The truth is that junior colleges are a welcoming environment that is usually close to home, relatively inexpensive and full of challenging course offerings. The community college system is ideal for moms who don't have a lot of time or extra money on their hands. Initiated in 2009, President Obama's Grants for Moms are aimed at alleviating some of the financial pressure moms have in trying to go to school. Getting $5,000 can go a long way toward earning a professional degree. One of the biggest attractions to junior colleges is the financial savings. 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. Teen mothers who performed well in high school should definitely take note of this. A student can use the mom grant to pay for any school or school-related costs. Increasingly, the curriculums at 2-year colleges are becoming more rigorous and offering more academic opportunities. According to a 2002 New York Times article, 168 community colleges maintain honors programs. Certain community college are beginning to mirror the syllabi at big-name colleges and universities. Some schools allow students to study subjects like philosophy and cultural art in places around the world. All of these diverse courses and study opportunities expand students' knowledge and help them enroll in 4-year colleges. A community college education is well within reach for a mom who has earned an education grant. The local college scene is a great place to make use of the $5,000 Pell Grant for moms. Going to school in a less pressurized environment can greatly affect performance and make achievement seem more attainable. A quality associate degree could lead to great career development.
Here's How the Obama Scholarships Can Help You, Moms
