Obama Grants: Will They Help To Encourage Moms To Earn A Degree

Although higher education is important, often a number of obstacles 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. Obama grants meant to encourage mothers to return to college to earn a degree attempt to ease some of the concerns associated with going to college. 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. 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. The administration believes that equipping low-income mothers to earn a degree will provide a stimulus to the lagging economy and be a great benefit to families of those mothers by increasing 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. A student has to pay for housing and travel expenses, as well books and supplies. For a single mom, other miscellaneous expenses may also include childcare. A great characteristic of the Pell grant award is that the money awarded does not necessarily have to be applied to college tuition. Providing the expense is vital to obtaining an education, it can be covered by the grant money. It must be remembered that this program doesn?t cater specifically to traditional students; it provides opportunity for traditional and non-traditional students alike. Any mothers who want to return to college to earn a degree are just as welcome as a student who is fresh out of high school. 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 significant factor is that all willing students are able to earn a degree that will provide them with significant opportunity in the job market. An effort by the current administration to show that education truly is the key to a bright future are 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.