Obama Grants -Will They Encourage More Moms to Get a Degree

Despite 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 when it relates to single mothers. Obama grants, which are meant to encourage mothers to return to college to earn a degree, attempt to ease some of the concerns associated with going to college. The purpose of federal grants, in many cases, is to help disadvantaged groups to attend college. A commonly given endowment for low-income students is the federal Pell grant. The benefits of Pell grants have been increased in order to be a greater help to potential students, since the Obama administration has stated that it places a high priority on education. A title given to a portion of the standard Pell grant program is the Scholarships for Moms program. Working moms are especially encouraged to apply for this. By equipping low-income mothers to earn a degree, the administration believes that this will provide a stimulus to the lagging economy, and be of great benefit to the families of those mothers, as it will increase their earning power in the work force. With the high cost of education these days, $5,000 from a Pell grant may not seem like a lot of money but consider the other expenses associated with going to college. As well as books and supplies, a student has additional expenses of housing and travel as well. For single moms, these miscellaneous expenses may also include childcare. Another great characteristic of the Pell grant award is that the money awarded does not necessarily have to be applied to college tuition. On condition that 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. Just as welcome as a student who is fresh out of high school, are mothers who want to return to college to earn a degree. Equal consideration is given 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. The most important factor is that all willing students are able to earn a degree that will provide them with significant opportunity in the job market. Obama grants are purely an effort by the current administration to show that education truly is the key to a bright future. Everyone from young adults to working mothers has a chance to go to college, with the allocation of a significant amount of money to pay for education.