subject: Obama Grants: Money For College [print this page] Education is always an important key to a good future. Since his campaign to become President, Barack Obama has made education a key issue. Scholarships and grants are only a small part of the education system makeover.
Expenses like college tuition and housing grow even as the economy suffers. College costs can really add up especially when money for things besides tuition and housing is considered. With high costs looming, many young adults can't afford to go to a university. A large number of these people are working mothers. To put more educated minds in the workforce and ensure that families are cared for, it's important to educate moms. More scholarships for single moms is one way to improve the situation. Federal Pell Grants have now been fondly called Obama grants. In the 2009-2010 school year, students could get a grant of up to $5,350. The primary goal is to encourage single moms to return to school, and by 2012 they could receive as much as $5,400. With these grants for moms, they can pay for tuition, books or any other school-related expenses.
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. 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. There are plenty of options on where, when and what a student can study. Now the expenses are just a little lighter, and eager mothers can enroll in school.
Obama's efforts to improve education show that he takes this issue seriously. With some changes to the lending system, many graduate and undergraduate loans will be less costly. In addition, the government is focusing on helping schools improve teaching and students improve performance. 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.
In his Reclaiming the American Dream speech in 2007, Obama said, "We need to put a college education within reach of every American. That's the best investment we can make in our future." With the measures he has taken to this point, the President has demonstrated he means 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.
