Mothers: Aim for Community College and More

To many people junior college isn't "real" school. For busy moms community college can be a wonderful idea. Community colleges welcome bright students, and they have many benefits to offer. Chances for financial assistance increase the potential for community colleges to attract quality students. For a long time 2-year colleges have seemed like schools to go to in order to waste time and money. In reality many community colleges offer stimulating classes and often are right in your back yard. Mothers who work could especially benefit from the 2-year college system. Started in 2009, the Scholarships for Moms program helps to enroll moms in colleges and universities of all kinds. There are few better financial aid opportunities than a $5,000 grant. The most important reason for many who attend a community college is the lower costs. A $5,000 Pell Grant doesn't remove financial burdens, but it can certainly alleviate them. Usually the tuition and fees at a junior college are more than 50% less expensive than many colleges and universities. Having high SAT scores and GPA could result in a 2-year college paying through scholarships for that bright student to come to that school. This is good news for a teen mother who wouldn't find it feasible to attend a university even if she has the high test scores to allow it. Even with some expenses paid, the scholarship for moms can be used to pay for travel expenses, childcare and other school-related expenses. At junior colleges many students will find that they have study opportunities that are similar to 4-year schools. According to a 2002 New York Times article, 168 community colleges maintain honors programs. Many also have study opportunities that reflect the opportunities at big liberal arts universities. A good example is the junior college that offers study credits in places such as London and French Polynesia. The exciting variety of classes that a student can take will only help as he or she moves on to a 4-year school or into the working world. A community college education is well within reach for a mom who has earned an education grant. Attending a junior college allows a mom to save some money even as she has the bonus of a $5,000 mom scholarship. Going to school in a less pressurized environment can greatly affect performance and make achievement seem more attainable. Two years of study and training at a community college has many career benefits.