Monday, March 02, 2009

Obama, Working Fast To Spend More Of Your Money

From FastWeb .

"Education Stimulus Package President Obama has urged Congress to pass a bill that would give students $5,000 toward tuition or loans in exchange for one year of volunteer service. Find out about Obama's plans for higher education and more on FastWeb.

If you haven’t heard by now, President Obama wants to make college more affordable for all Americans and his plans to do so will soon affect you. So, what are his proposals for change in the collegiate sector?

American Opportunity Tax Grant
Under President Obama’s American Opportunity Tax Grant, all Americans will receive $4,000, fully refundable, for their college education. This amount actually covers 2/3 of a first year at a public university and one whole year in community college costs. But you don’t just get $4K for going to college; there is a 100 hours community service requirement.

Simplify the FAFSA
Insert huge sigh of relief. President Obama proposes to replace the complicated FAFSA from with a check box on all tax forms that authorizes the use of tax information for financial aid purposes.

Early Assessment Program Funds
Some states have developed Early Assessment Programs for juniors in college. Basically, these programs assess the individual junior and determine whether he/she is prepared for college. If not, the program provides resources to get that student up to speed. President Obama hopes to encourage EAP and will provide $25 million in matching funds for states that develop the programs.

Increase in Pell Grants
During his term as president, President Obama hopes to maximize the Pell Grant to the amount of $5,400.

Community College Partnership Program
Three-fold plan:

1. Conduct more analysis on types of skills and technical education that are in high demand from students and local industries

2. Create new associate of arts degree programs

3. Reward institutions that graduate more students and also increase number of transfers to four-year institutions

Student Loans
President Obama hopes to eliminate the Federal Family Education Loan Program, which has a focus in private student loans and is more expensive.

* Obama and Higher Education
* How Obama will Help Pay your Tuition
* Scholarship Checklist"





Does a 100 hours of service mean a trip to Afghanistan?

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Notice how all this spending has "strings" attached.

So instead of getting a private loan, Obama wants a student too be more dependent on the fed govt. Like their less evil or something.