subject: Obama Grants For Moms: A College Education Within Reach [print this page] It's widely accepted that education is important to having a successful future. Even before he became President, Barack Obama spoke about the need to make education a priority. Many important people are focused on increasing scholarship opportunities and improving education.
One familiar part of the economic meltdown is the rise in college tuition and other costs. Tuition and housing costs often far exceed scholarship offers. Many potential students suffer and are unable to afford to go to college. A large number of these people are working mothers. Educating women and single moms is important to increase the workforce and help provide for children and families. More scholarships for single moms is one way to improve the situation. Because of his efforts many people now refer to Federal Pell Grants as Obama grants. These grants award a student over $5,000 to go to college. Before Pell grants maxed out at about $4,000. 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. The $4,000 grant is especially great for low-income students. A grant and a tax break could be just the thing to help students like working single moms. There are plenty of options on where, when and what a student can study. Taking away a little of the financial burden of college is a helpful way to get more students enrolled.
Increasing educational opportunity and performance is undoubtedly one of the President's goals. The stimulus plan that passed has some provisions to make the college loan process easier. The administration is also focusing on improving the performance of schools at all levels. Another goal is to encourage more students to attend community colleges. 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 2007 Obama stated, "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. 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.
