The Best Investment for Our Future: Education

It's widely accepted that education is important to having a successful future. The President has on many occasions emphasized the need for a strong education system. Scholarships and grants are only a small part of the education system makeover.

Although the economy has dramatically fallen, college prices have continued to rise for many years. Tuition and housing costs often far exceed scholarship offers. With high costs looming, many young adults can't afford to go to a university. Working, single mothers are particularly hit hard. Educating women and single moms is important to increase the workforce and help provide for children and families. Creating college grants for moms is one way the President is dealing with this issue. There is no difference between Federal Pell Grants and Obama grants. The name "Obama grants" came as a result of the President's emphasis on educating moms. In the 2009-2010 school year, students could get a grant of up to $5,350. This is over $1,000 above the previous maximum, and it's a big help to moms who want to return to school. Working mothers can pay for tuition and books or even daycare if that allows them to attend school.

The American Opportunity Tax Credit is also a very valuable program. This tax credit makes a way for students to write off the first $4,000 of their education costs. At less expensive schools in particular this is a big credit. Single moms often fall into this group, so these programs are particularly beneficial to them. There are plenty of options on where, when and what a student can study. Now the expenses are just a little lighter, and eager mothers can enroll in school.

Increasing educational opportunity and performance is undoubtedly one of the President's goals. With the recent passage of the economic stimulus plan, a lot of college loans will be offered by the government. In addition, the government is focusing on helping schools improve teaching and students improve performance. Since many overlook community colleges, there is emphasis on increasing their effectiveness and appeal. At a community college students can gain important knowledge as well as save money.

In his 2007 Reclaiming the American Dream speech, Obama stated, "We need to put a college education within reach of every American. That's the best investment we can make in our future." So far Obama's actions are backing up his words. The mission to educate all Americans is certainly helped by providing scholarships for mothers. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.

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