subject: Helping Mothers Go Back To School [print this page] To many people junior college isn't "real" school. A 2-year college education could be exactly what a single or stay-at-home mom needs. Two-year colleges present many interesting possibilities for gaining an education. With financial opportunity you could get the education you want and need.
A common falsehood is that only people who don't want to earn a "real" degree attend junior college. Strong course work, lower tuition and geographic nearness are three of the best characteristics of community colleges. The flexibility and opportunity are great for moms who want to go to school. For moms who want to gain knowledge and degrees, the Obama scholarships for mothers are a strong financial benefit. The $5,000 grant is a huge bonus for going to college.
One of the biggest attractions to junior colleges is the financial savings. A $5,000 Pell Grant doesn't remove financial burdens, but it can certainly alleviate them. The tuition at a community college is tens of thousands of dollars cheaper than big 4-year universities. At a 2-year college, an exceptional SAT score and GPA could earn a full scholarship. This is good news for a teen mother who wouldnt find it feasible to attend a university even if she has the high test scores to allow it. Even with some expenses paid, the scholarship for moms can be used to pay for travel expenses, childcare and other school-related expenses.
The course offerings at many community colleges now more closely resemble those at traditional 4-year institutions. In 2002, the New York Times reported that more than 150 junior colleges have an honors section. One particular school in Arizona even had various overseas study opportunities. One 2-year school in the Times article encouraged and provided opportunity to study abroad in various places. The benefit is that students gain a broader perspective of the world, and colleges are able to attract more students.
Attending a community college is made even more accessible for mothers who have earned a Pell Grant. The local college scene is a great place to make use of the $5,000 Pell Grant for moms. Whether you want to eventually earn an advanced degree or want to go into a business or industry, junior college can help you achieve that goal. Two years of study and training at a community college has many career benefits.
