Obama Grants: Designed To Encourage Moms to Earn a Degree

Although higher education
is important, there are often a number of obstacles that can hinder potential students from enrolling in college. At the top of this list, especially for single mothers, are family obligations and financial concerns. 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 many 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. 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. The administration believes that by equipping low-income mothers to earn a degree, this will provide a stimulus to the lagging economy, and be a great benefit to families of those mothers as it will in turn increase 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 and supplies, a student has to pay for housing and travel expenses as well. Childcare costs for a single mom, may also be included in these miscellaneous expenses. Another great characteristic 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 can be seen to be necessary 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. 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. Obama grants are the current administration's way 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.