Although 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 relates to single mothers. 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 a number of cases, the purpose of federal grants is to help disadvantaged groups to attend college. A commonly given endowment for low-income students is the federal Pell grant. As 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. By equipping low-income mothers to earn a degree, the administration believes that this will provide a stimulus to the lagging economy, and be a great benefit to the families of those mothers, by increasing their earning power in the work force. $5,000 from a Pell grant may not seem like a lot of money, when you look at the high cost of education these days, but it should help defray the other expenses associated with going to college. As well as books and supplies, a student has additional expenses of housing and travel as well. Childcare costs for a single mom, may also be included in these miscellaneous expenses. A great characteristic of the Pell grant award is that the money awarded does not necessarily have to be applied to college tuition. Any expense that can be seen to be necessary to obtaining an education, can be covered by the grant money. It must be remembered that this program is not specifically catering to traditional students; it provides opportunity for traditional and non-traditional students alike. Just as welcome as a student who is fresh out of high school, are mothers who want to return to college to earn a degree. 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 thing is that all willing students are able to earn a degree that will provide them with significant opportunity in the job market. An effort by the current administration to show that education truly is the key to a bright future are by offering Obama grants. With the allocation of a significant amount of money to pay for education, everyone from young adults to working mothers has a chance to go to college.
