subject: Helping Moms Go to School [print this page] To many people junior college isn't "real" school. For busy moms community college can be a wonderful idea. Personal benefits and academic challenges are part of the package for smart students who want to earn a degree. Add in a financial advantage or two and your education is within reach. Despite the jokes and put-downs, community colleges do have something to offer students who are ambitious. 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. A $5,000 award to return to school is a huge incentive. The most important reason for many who attend a community college is the lower costs. 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. Furthermore, community colleges frequently offer full-ride scholarships to high school students with high standardized test scores and GPA. This is good news for a teen mother who wouldn't find it feasible to attend a university even if she has the high test scores to allow it. Whether you receive a school scholarship or not, the Pell Grant can be used to pay for most school-related expenses. At junior colleges many students will find that they have study opportunities that are similar to 4-year schools. Honors programs at colleges are often a symbol of success, and a 2002 New York Times report found that many junior colleges offer these programs. Certain community college are beginning to mirror the syllabi at big-name colleges and universities. Some schools with high achievement have been able to develop unique study abroad opportunities. These quality academic opportunities can help students as they work toward further degrees and as they develop their careers. Grants for ambitious moms will certainly make junior colleges even more attainable. Even as they benefit from a $5,000 grant, mothers can reap the financial savings benefits of going to a small local college. Community colleges can be great training grounds for attendance at 4-year colleges as well as for entering the work force. Earning an associate degree is a smart choice on the road to being a professional.
