subject: Obama Grants: Is College In Your Future? [print this page] It's widely accepted that education is important to having a successful future. The President has on many occasions emphasized the need for a strong education system. Free money through grants and scholarships is only the beginning.
For decades, college prices have steadily increased. Scholarship packages rarely cover the full amount for tuition, books and housing. Low-income students suffer the most if they are unable to secure enough scholarship or grant money. One group that is particularly hit hard is single mothers. Helping single mothers get an education helps their families and future employers. The President has attempted to help by encouraging more grants for single mothers to attend school. Federal Pell Grants have now been fondly called Obama grants. These grants award a student over $5,000 to go to college. Before Pell grants maxed out at about $4,000. With these grants for moms, they can pay for tuition, books or any other school-related expenses.
The American Opportunity Tax Credit is also a very valuable program. With this tax credit, the first $4,000 of college expenses are free. The $4,000 grant is especially great for low-income students. 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. 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. Through the recent stimulus package, many undergraduate and graduate loans will be less of a burden. Preparing schools and students for success is an important Obama administration mission. Another goal is to encourage more students to attend community colleges. A 2-year degree or the time spent learning a technical school from a community college can be a tremendous asset.
In his 2007 Reclaiming the American Dream speech, Obama stated, "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.
