subject: Money For College [print this page] Education is always an important key to a good future. Even before he became President, Barack Obama spoke about the need to make education a priority. Free money through grants and scholarships is only the beginning.
College expenses continue to increase even as the economy slumps. College costs can really add up especially when money for things besides tuition and housing is considered. Many potential students suffer and are unable to afford to go to college. Working, single mothers are particularly hit hard. Educating women and single moms is important to increase the workforce and help provide for children and families. The President believes in this and has begun a mission to create scholarships for moms. If you've heard of Obama grants for moms, know that people are referring to Federal Pell Grants. Currently students can earn about $5,350 through a Pell grant. This is an increase of $1,000 over the previous maximum, and the goal is to help working mothers return to school. With these grants for moms, they can pay for tuition, books or any other school-related expenses.
Another incentive to consider is the American Opportunity Tax Credit. Under this incentive program, education costs up to $4,000 are cleared. This $4,000 write off can be a big help to many students. Single moms often fall into this group, so these programs are particularly beneficial to them. There are almost no restrictions on where and what a student studies. With more incentives, more ambitious adults will realize their goal to get a college degree.
Increasing educational opportunity and performance is undoubtedly one of the President's goals. With some changes to the lending system, many graduate and undergraduate loans will be less costly. There is more government emphasis on properly preparing students for their future at all levels of education. Since many overlook community colleges, there is emphasis on increasing their effectiveness and appeal. 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 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. If the goal is to educate as many as possible, making grants available for mothers is a good step. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.
