subject: Obama Scholarships: An Investment For Our Future [print this page] Taking advantage of educational opportunities is a smart way to be successful. The President has on many occasions emphasized the need for a strong education system. Grants and scholarships are just the beginning of efforts to try to make over higher education.
Expenses like college tuition and housing grow even as the economy suffers. Schools don't offer scholarships to ever student to cover necessary expenses. Many potential students suffer and are unable to afford to go to college. Single moms are especially affected in a bad way. Not only does educating mothers help provide for their families, but it also improves the workforce. The President believes in this and has begun a mission to create scholarships for moms. Federal Pell Grants have now been fondly called Obama grants. To help with university costs, a student can earn more than $5,000. This is an increase of $1,000 over the previous maximum, and the goal is to help working mothers return to school. Tuition, books, travel and school supplies are all expenses that students can cover with grant money.
Another incentive to consider is the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This tax credit makes a way for students to write off the first $4,000 of their education costs. This is a worthy incentive, especially for schools that are less expensive. Single moms often fall into this group, so these programs are particularly beneficial to them. Another great factor is that students aren't particularly targeted based on what or where they study. Diversity is encouraged. With more incentives, more ambitious adults will realize their goal to get a college degree.
With his actions President Obama has confirmed his belief in this issue. 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. The President believes community colleges need to become viable options. To attend a 2-year college has a number of benefits, including saving money and learning a trade or skill.
In a 2007 speech called Reclaiming the American Dream, the President said that making college education more available is "the best investment we can make in our future." The President's actions are reflecting his words. 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.
