subject: Education: The Best Investment For Our Future [print this page] It's widely accepted that education is important to having a successful future. Since his campaign to become President, Barack Obama has made education a key issue. Many important people are focused on increasing scholarship opportunities and improving education.
For decades, college prices have steadily increased. Tuition and housing costs often far exceed scholarship offers. Low-income students suffer the most if they are unable to secure enough scholarship or grant money. Working, single mothers are particularly hit hard. Not only does educating mothers help provide for their families, but it also improves the workforce. More scholarships for single moms is one way to improve the situation. Although they are the same, many people refer to Federal Pell grants as Obama grants. To help with university costs, a student can earn more than $5,000. The primary goal is to encourage single moms to return to school, and by 2012 they could receive as much as $5,400. Working mothers can pay for tuition and books or even daycare if that allows them to attend school.
There's also another great program: the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This tax credit makes a way for students to write off the first $4,000 of their education costs. At less expensive schools in particular this is a big credit. Both of these tax programs help single moms tremendously because they are traditionally low-income individuals. There are almost no restrictions on where and what a student studies. With a few less money worries, more single mothers can attend college.
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. The administration is also focusing on improving the performance of schools at all levels. The President believes community colleges need to become viable options. 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." The President's actions are reflecting 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.
