It's widely accepted that education is important to having a successful future. Even before he became President, Barack Obama spoke about the need to make education a priority. Grants and scholarships are just the beginning of efforts to try to make over higher education.

Although the economy has dramatically fallen, college prices have continued to rise for many years. Schools don't offer scholarships to ever student to cover necessary expenses. Many potential students suffer and are unable to afford to go to college. A large number of these people are working mothers. 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. Because of his efforts many people now refer to Federal Pell Grants as Obama grants. In the 2009-2010 school year, students could get a grant of up to $5,350. The primary goal is to encourage single moms to return to school, and by 2012 they could receive as much as $5,400. Tuition, books, travel and school supplies are all expenses that students can cover with grant money.

Single moms should also consider the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This program allows the first $4,000 of education expenses to be free. This $4,000 write off can be a big help to many students. Since many single working mothers have low incomes, these programs are a major help. There are almost no restrictions on where and what a student studies. Moms and students of all kinds can go to school with a little less to worry about.

Obama's efforts to improve education show that he takes this issue seriously. Through the recent stimulus package, many undergraduate and graduate loans will be less of a burden. There is also emphasis on ways to improve school and student achievement in all areas. There is also emphasis on encouraging more students to consider community college. Community college is important to prepare students for a 4-year college but also to prepare them for a 2-year degree or technical skill.

In 2007 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." The President has shown a good effort to support his words through action. Scholarships for moms are only a small part of the mission to help educate more people. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.