| If you want to be successful, getting a good education | | | | expensive schools, $4,000 could be a significant help |
| is a good start. Since running for office in 2008, | | | | for a student. Both of these tax programs help single |
| President Barack Obama has made education a | | | | moms tremendously because they are traditionally |
| priority issue for his administration. Scholarships and | | | | low-income individuals. Study options are wide open. |
| grants are only a small part of the education system | | | | With more incentives, more ambitious adults will realize |
| makeover. For decades, college prices have steadily | | | | their goal to get a college degree. The President has |
| increased. Besides tuition and housing, fees for books, | | | | demonstrated that he considers this issue a priority. |
| travel and eating are often not covered. Low-income | | | | With some changes to the lending system, many |
| students suffer the most if they are unable to secure | | | | graduate and undergraduate loans will be less costly. |
| enough scholarship or grant money. One group that is | | | | There is also emphasis on ways to improve school |
| particularly hit hard is single mothers. More education | | | | and student achievement in all areas. Since many |
| helps single mothers achieve on their jobs and take | | | | overlook community colleges, there is emphasis on |
| care of their families. Creating college grants for moms | | | | increasing their effectiveness and appeal. At a |
| is one way the President is dealing with this issue. If | | | | community college students can gain important |
| you've heard of Obama grants for moms, know that | | | | knowledge as well as save money. In his 2007 |
| people are referring to Federal Pell Grants. To help | | | | Reclaiming the American Dream speech, Obama |
| with university costs, a student can earn more than | | | | stated, "We need to put a college education within |
| $5,000. This is an increase of $1,000 over the previous | | | | reach of every American. That's the best investment |
| maximum, and the goal is to help working mothers | | | | we can make in our future." With the measures he |
| return to school. With these grants for moms, they can | | | | has taken to this point, the President has demonstrated |
| pay for tuition, books or any other school-related | | | | he means his words. Even though Obama's grants for |
| expenses. Another incentive to consider is the | | | | moms get much attention they are certainly not the |
| American Opportunity Tax Credit. With this tax | | | | only important opportunity being offered. Traditional and |
| program, the first $4,000 of community college or | | | | non-traditional students alike have numerous |
| university expenses are free. Especially for less | | | | opportunities to put their education first. |