subject: Obama Scholarships: 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. Free money through grants and scholarships is only the beginning.
Although the economy has dramatically fallen, college prices have continued to rise for many years. Schools don't offer scholarships to ever student to cover necessary expenses. Low-income students suffer the most if they are unable to secure enough scholarship or grant money. 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. 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. These grants award a student over $5,000 to go to college. This is over $1,000 above the previous maximum, and it's a big help to moms who want to return to school. Tuition, books, travel and school supplies are all expenses that students can cover with grant money.
Another worthwhile program is the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This program allows the first $4,000 of education expenses to be free. Especially for less expensive schools, $4,000 could be a significant help for a student. 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. With a few less money worries, more single mothers can attend college.
Obama's efforts to improve education show that he takes this issue seriously. The new stimulus package has some benefits for potential college students. The administration is also focusing on improving the performance of schools at all levels. There is also emphasis on encouraging more students to consider community college. Community colleges are more than a stepping stone on the way to a university. They are valuable institutions.
"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. So far Obama's actions are backing up his words. Grants for moms are just a small but vital part of the education mission. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.
