subject: Mothers: Get Your Degree at a Community College [print this page] Community colleges often get picked onCommunity colleges often get picked on. For women with children, 2-year colleges actually have some tremendous advantages. Both academically and personally junior colleges present a wealth of options. Financial aid is a common concern, but taking care of that is part of the package as well. For a long time 2-year colleges have seemed like schools to go to in order to waste time and money. In reality many community colleges offer stimulating classes and often are right in your back yard. The flexibility and opportunity are great for moms who want to go to school. Championed by President Obama in 2009, the Grants for Moms incentive is an effort to help more moms enroll in junior colleges and other schools of their choice. A $5,000 award to return to school is a huge incentive. Financial savings are a significant factor of attending junior college. Even with a $5,000 Pell Grant for a mother, saving money is always important. Usually the tuition and fees at a junior college are more than 50% less expensive than many colleges and universities. Furthermore, community colleges frequently offer full-ride scholarships to high school students with high standardized test scores and GPA. Teen mothers who performed well in high school should definitely take note of this. Even with some expenses paid, the scholarship for moms can be used to pay for travel expenses, childcare and other school-related expenses. At junior colleges many students will find that they have study opportunities that are similar to 4-year schools. 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. For example, many junior colleges now offer study abroad courses in places like China and Mexico. These quality academic opportunities can help students as they work toward further degrees and as they develop their careers. A community college education is well within reach for a mom who has earned an education grant. Even as they benefit from a $5,000 grant, mothers can reap the financial savings benefits of going to a small local college. 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. On the path toward your career, a 2-year degree is a good first step.
