subject: The Key To The Future: Educate Mothers [print this page] Education is always an important key to a good future. Since running for office in 2008, President Barack Obama has made education a priority issue for his administration. Scholarships and grants are only a small part of the education system makeover.
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. Many young adults choose to forgo college because of the cost. Single, working moms are a big section of this group. 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. Because of his efforts many people now refer to Federal Pell Grants as Obama grants. Currently students can earn about $5,350 through a Pell grant. The primary goal is to encourage single moms to return to school, and by 2012 they could receive as much as $5,400. The scholarship money covers practically all school-related expenses.
Another worthwhile program is the American Opportunity Tax Credit. With this tax credit, the first $4,000 of college expenses are free. This $4,000 write off can be a big help to many students. Both of these tax programs help single moms tremendously because they are traditionally low-income individuals. Students have numerous school options: full-time or part-time, 2-year or 4-year college, multiple majors. With more incentives, more ambitious adults will realize their goal to get a college degree.
Making more efforts to improve education opportunities is the best way for President Obama to show that he values them. Through the recent stimulus package, many undergraduate and graduate loans will be less of a burden. In addition, the government is focusing on helping schools improve teaching and students improve performance. Another goal is to encourage more students to attend community colleges. Community colleges are more than a stepping stone on the way to a university. They are valuable institutions.
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." President Obama has shown he is serious about action. 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.
