subject: An Investment for Our Future: Obama Grants [print this page] If you want to be successful, getting a good education is a good start. 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. Many young adults choose to forgo college because of the cost. Single, working moms are a big section of this group. Not only does educating mothers help provide for their families, but it also improves the workforce. The President has attempted to help by encouraging more grants for single mothers to attend school. Although they are the same, many people refer to Federal Pell grants as Obama grants. In the 2009-2010 school year, students could get a grant of up to $5,350. The primary goal is to encourage single moms to return to school, and by 2012 they could receive as much as $5,400. Tuition, books, travel and school supplies are all expenses that students can cover with grant money. Single moms should also consider the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This tax credit makes a way for students to write off the first $4,000 of their education costs. The $4,000 grant is especially great for low-income students. Since many single working mothers have low incomes, these programs are a major help. Another great factor is that students aren't particularly targeted based on what or where they study. Diversity is encouraged. Taking away a little of the financial burden of college is a helpful way to get more students enrolled. Obama's efforts to improve education show that he takes this issue seriously. The new stimulus package has some benefits for potential college students. In addition, the government is focusing on helping schools improve teaching and students improve performance. Higher education at a 2-year college can be a great option, and there is emphasis being put on that fact. Community college is important to prepare students for a 4-year college but also to prepare them for a 2-year degree or technical skill. In his Reclaiming the American Dream speech in 2007, Obama said, "We need to put a college education within reach of every American. That's the best investment we can make in our future." The President has shown a good effort to support his words through 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.
