Are Obama Grants Encouraging Moms to Earn 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 affects single mothers. In an attempt to alleviate concerns associated with going to college, Obama grants are intended to encourage mothers to return to college to earn a degree. The purpose of federal grants, in many cases, is to help disadvantaged groups to attend college. An endowment often given to low-income students, is the federal Pell grant. Since the Obama administration has stated that it places a high priority on education, the benefits of Pell grants have been augmented in order to be a greater help to potential students. Working moms are especially 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. Although $5,000 from a Pell grant may not seem like a lot of money, when you consider the high cost of education these days, it should help defray the other expenses associated with going to college. As well as books, supplies, and housing, a student has also travelling expenses to pay. For a single mom, 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. As long as the expense is vital to obtaining an education, it can be covered by the grant money. This program does not cater specifically to traditional students — it provides opportunities to 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. Consideration is given equally to mothers who would like to stay home and take care of their children while doing online courses, to potential students who would prefer to go to a small community college. 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. By allocating a significant amount of money to pay for education, everyone from working mothers to young adults has a chance to go to college.