Obama Grants: Now Encourage Moms to Earn a Degree

Notwithstanding the fact that higher education is important, there are often a number of obstacles that can hinder potential students from enrolling in college. Family obligations and financial concerns are often at the top of this list, especially for single mothers. In an attempt to ease some of the concerns associated with going to college, Obama grants are intended to encourage mothers to return to college to earn a degree. In a number of cases, the purpose of federal grants is to help disadvantaged groups to attend college. One endowment often given to low-income students is the federal Pell grant. The benefits of Pell grants have been improved in order to be a greater help to potential students, since the Obama administration has stated that it places a high priority on education. Working moms, in particular, are encouraged to apply for the Scholarships for Moms program, which is just a title given to a portion of the standard Pell grant program. Equipping low-income mothers to earn a degree will provide a stimulus to the lagging economy, the administration believes, and also be a great benefit to the families of those mothers, as a result of which will be an increase in their earning power in the work force. While the cost of education is high these days, $5,000 from a Pell grant may not seem like a lot of money, but it can be a help when you consider the other expenses associated with going to college. As well as books, supplies, and housing, a student has also travelling expenses to pay. For single moms, these miscellaneous expenses may also include childcare. One great advantage of the Pell grant award is that the money awarded does not necessarily have to be applied to college tuition. Any expense that can be seen to be necessary to obtaining an education, can be covered by the grant money. It must be remembered that this program is not specifically catering to traditional students; it provides opportunity for traditional and non-traditional students alike. Mothers wanting to return to college to earn a degree are just as welcome as a student who is fresh out of high school. Consideration is given equally to potential students who would prefer to go to a small community college as well as mothers who would like to stay home and take care of their children while taking online courses. All willing students are able to earn a degree that will provide them with significant opportunity in the job market, and this is the most important factor. An effort by the current administration to show that education truly is the key to a bright future are by offering Obama grants. With the allocation of a significant amount of money to pay for education, everyone from young adults to working mothers has a chance to go to college.