subject: Obama Scholarships For Moms: Money For College [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. Scholarships and grants are only a small part of the education system makeover.
One familiar part of the economic meltdown is the rise in college tuition and other costs. Schools don't offer scholarships to ever student to cover necessary expenses. Many young adults choose to forgo college because of the cost. Working, single mothers are particularly hit hard. To put more educated minds in the workforce and ensure that families are cared for, it's important to educate moms. Creating college grants for moms is one way the President is dealing with this issue. Because of his efforts many people now refer to Federal Pell Grants as Obama grants. With these grants, college-bound students can receive over $5,000 to pay for school. Before Pell grants maxed out at about $4,000. These grants can be used to cover many of the miscellaneous college expenses.
There's also another great program: the American Opportunity Tax Credit. With this tax program, the first $4,000 of community college or university expenses are free. This $4,000 write off can be a big help to many students. Both of these tax programs help single moms tremendously because they are traditionally low-income individuals. Students have numerous school options: full-time or part-time, 2-year or 4-year college, multiple majors. Moms and students of all kinds can go to school with a little less to worry about.
The President has demonstrated that he considers this issue a priority. Through the recent stimulus package, many undergraduate and graduate loans will be less of a burden. In addition, the government is focusing on helping schools improve teaching and students improve performance. Since many overlook community colleges, there is emphasis on increasing their effectiveness and appeal. Community colleges are more than a stepping stone on the way to a university. They are valuable institutions.
In his Reclaiming the American Dream speech in 2007, Obama said, "We need to put a college education within reach of every American. That's the best investment we can make in our future." With the measures he has taken to this point, the President has demonstrated he means his words. Even though Obama's grants for moms get much attention they are certainly not the only important opportunity being offered. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.
