| Due to the recession, many companies have had the | | | | These classes can help them become accustomed to |
| luxury of choosing from a highly qualified pool of | | | | the demands of modern education. The courses may |
| applicants. Because several individuals have fallen | | | | allow parents to become more familiar with |
| victim to an ever-rising unemployment rate, | | | | computers, which could contribute to their success in |
| professionals with many years of work experience | | | | an online bachelors program. |
| are competing with recent college graduates for | | | | The Obama administration has encouraged parents - |
| similar positions. | | | | particularly single mothers - to update their |
| Unfortunately, many hiring managers consider a | | | | educational qualifications in order to increase their |
| bachelor's degree a prerequisite for advancement in | | | | earning potential and stimulate the job market. As a |
| the application process, which has left some | | | | result, the government and some private |
| individuals struggling to find work and provide for | | | | organizations have created single mother grants that |
| their families despite years of experience. This has | | | | are intended to help these students enroll in schools |
| lead to many working professionals considering a | | | | online or on a campus. By enrolling in an online degree |
| return to school to improve their educational status. | | | | program, a single parent is given the opportunity to |
| Similar experiences may leave job seekers who have | | | | improve their education standing and remain at home |
| families feeling as if they have failed. Parents whose | | | | to take care of their child or children. |
| educational qualifications have held them back in the | | | | Federally funded programs that could benefit single |
| professional sense may have trouble convincing their | | | | mothers include Pell, Academic Cooperative, Federal |
| children to enroll in a campus-based or online degree | | | | Supplemental Education Opportunity and National |
| program. Fortunately, mothers and fathers of all ages | | | | Science and Mathematics to Retain Talent (SMART) |
| who wish to pursue higher education have many | | | | Grants. Some online colleges, such as Ashford |
| options to do so. | | | | University, also offer financial aid packages that |
| Because few families are able to devote the time | | | | benefit students who are parents. These colleges |
| and money typically required by campus-based | | | | recognize that each individual student has a different |
| degree programs, individuals who are considering a | | | | set of needs and responsibilities. |
| return to school may wish to take free online classes. | | | | |