subject: A College Education Within Reach: Obama Scholarships [print this page] For many people, a bright future starts with good education. Even before he became President, Barack Obama spoke about the need to make education a priority. One major part of the effort is to make available to students more free money for college.
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. With high costs looming, many young adults can't afford to go to a university. One group that is particularly hit hard is single mothers. To put more educated minds in the workforce and ensure that families are cared for, it's important to educate moms. It's important to the President and that's why he's implemented a program for scholarships for mothers. 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. This is over $1,000 above the previous maximum, and it's a big help to moms who want to return to school. Working mothers can pay for tuition and books or even daycare if that allows them to attend school.
Another worthwhile program 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. Students have numerous school options: full-time or part-time, 2-year or 4-year college, multiple majors. Now the expenses are just a little lighter, and eager mothers can enroll in school.
Making more efforts to improve education opportunities is the best way for President Obama to show that he values them. With some changes to the lending system, many graduate and undergraduate loans will be less costly. There is also emphasis on ways to improve school and student achievement in all areas. There is also emphasis on encouraging more students to consider community college. At a community college students can gain important knowledge as well as save money.
"We need to put a college education within reach of every American. That's the best investment we can make in our future." Those are the words of President Obama in his 2007 speech Reclaiming the American Dream. The President has shown a good effort to support his words through action. The mission to educate all Americans is certainly helped by providing scholarships for mothers. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.
