subject: Education Is Top Priority: Obama Grants For Moms [print this page] If you want to be successful, getting a good education is a good start. 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.
College expenses continue to increase even as the economy slumps. College costs can really add up especially when money for things besides tuition and housing is considered. Unfortunately some students turn away from higher education because it's too expensive. One group that is particularly hit hard is single mothers. Not only does educating mothers help provide for their families, but it also improves the workforce. It's important to the President and that's why he's implemented a program for scholarships for mothers. There is no difference between Federal Pell Grants and Obama grants. The name "Obama grants" came as a result of the President's emphasis on educating moms. In the 2009-2010 school year, students could get a grant of up to $5,350. Before Pell grants maxed out at about $4,000. 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. There are almost no restrictions on where and what a student studies. Moms and students of all kinds can go to school with a little less to worry about.
Increasing educational opportunity and performance is undoubtedly one of the President's goals. With some changes to the lending system, many graduate and undergraduate loans will be less costly. There is more government emphasis on properly preparing students for their future at all levels of education. Since many overlook community colleges, there is emphasis on increasing their effectiveness and appeal. At a community college students can gain important knowledge as well as save money.
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." So far Obama's actions are backing up his words. Scholarships for moms are only a small part of the mission to help educate more people. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.
