| If you want to be successful, getting a good | | | | thing to help students like working single moms. |
| education is a good start. Since running for office in | | | | Study options are wide open. Taking away a little of |
| 2008, President Barack Obama has made education a | | | | the financial burden of college is a helpful way to get |
| priority issue for his administration. Scholarships and | | | | more students enrolled. With his actions President |
| grants are only a small part of the education system | | | | Obama has confirmed his belief in this issue. Through |
| makeover. For decades, college prices have steadily | | | | the recent stimulus package, many undergraduate |
| increased. College costs can really add up especially | | | | and graduate loans will be less of a burden. In |
| when money for things besides tuition and housing is | | | | addition, the government is focusing on helping |
| considered. Many young adults choose to forgo | | | | schools improve teaching and students improve |
| college because of the cost. Working, single mothers | | | | performance. The President believes community |
| are particularly hit hard. Educating women and single | | | | colleges need to become viable options. Community |
| moms is important to increase the workforce and | | | | college is important to prepare students for a 4-year |
| help provide for children and families. The President | | | | college but also to prepare them for a 2-year degree |
| believes in this and has begun a mission to create | | | | or technical skill. "We need to put a college education |
| scholarships for moms. Federal Pell Grants have now | | | | within reach of every American. That's the best |
| been fondly called Obama grants. Currently students | | | | investment we can make in our future." Those are |
| can earn about $5,350 through a Pell grant. Before | | | | the words of President Obama in his 2007 speech |
| Pell grants maxed out at about $4,000. These grants | | | | Reclaiming the American Dream. The President's |
| can be used to cover many of the miscellaneous | | | | actions are reflecting his words. If the goal is to |
| college expenses. Another worthwhile program is the | | | | educate as many as possible, making grants available |
| American Opportunity Tax Credit. With this tax | | | | for mothers is a good step. Traditional and |
| credit, the first $4,000 of college expenses are free. | | | | non-traditional students alike have numerous |
| The $4,000 grant is especially great for low-income | | | | opportunities to put their education first. |
| students. A grant and a tax break could be just the | | | | |