Opportunity.gov | Pell Grants, Training for the Unemployed

Pell Grants, training and unemployment benefits

Unemployment in America has reached about nine percent, and there’s no immediate evidence that the climb will slow any time soon. People are looking for the opportunity to make a better life for themselves and their families. Quick payday loans and debt relief have become commonplace, and the tools to improve one’s financial standing are readily available. But steady employment is a key element.

Thus, President Obama’s efforts to bring more Pell Grants and educational opportunities to the unemployed comes at the perfect time. With the Web site Opportunity.gov (www.opportunity.gov), the American people can find some relief and inspiration in their career endeavors.

Training and benefits

The Associated Press (at http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/05/08/obama-offer-help-unemployed/”) reports that Obama wishes to roll out this plan while the jobless retain their unemployment benefits. In addition, the government will indeed pay for the training programs outlined at opportunity.gov. Obama is asking Americans to “commit to at least one year or more of higher education or career training.”

“Our unemployment insurance system should no longer be a safety net, but a steppingstone to a new future,” Obama said. “It should offer folks educational opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have” and give they needed to “get ahead when the economy comes back.”

The numbers are sobering

The economy lost another 539,000 jobs in April, according to the United States Labor Department. The president acknowledges that it will “take months, maybe even years,” to pull out of the recession.

Yet he remains hopeful. “Although we have a long way to go before we can put this recession behind us, the gears of our economic engine are slowly beginning to turn.” He based this comment on signs of stabilization reported in consumer spending and home sales. Furthermore, the AP notes that construction spending has risen for the first time in six months.

Yet small businesses still lay off employees

President Obama’s $787 billion economic recovery package gave states billions of dollars to extend unemployment benefits by 26 extra weeks for those who want additional job training. Currently, 12 states have expanded benefits. Twenty more should follow soon.

A law that stopped unemployment checks if someone stopped seeking employment and returned to school has been a major stumbling block for Americans. The Obama administration also noted that previously, unemployed workers who return to school may not qualify for Pell Grants that are income based. This will change now. Unemployed workers will be eligible for Pell Grants via Opportunity.gov. Beginning in July 2009, the maximum possible Pell Grant will rise $500, to $5,350.

$200 billion in scholarships and credits

According to the White House, money from the stimulus bill and American Opportunity Tax Credit (provides a $2,500 tax credit for four years of college), would be made permanent. The windfall is expected to provide $200 billion in scholarships and credits for a decade. Moreover, Obama’s proposed 2010 budget will “ensure the Pell Grant continues to grow steadily by making it an entitlement,” say sources.

Big promises for a growing crowd of unemployed

Numbers like 539,000 more jobs lost in April can’t be ignored. That makes the nation’s current unemployment rate 8.9 percent, the highest level since 1983. The number of debt relief applicants is rising; quick payday loans for the employed who are in need are a boon, but only so long as employment is retained. In this economy, there’s no guarantee.

Will Opportunity.gov direct enough people toward the aid they need? Will the money be there? Whatever the case, the change is going to come. Both the Department of Labor and Department of Education have been told by Obama to move forward with the plan. Check out http://www.opportunity.gov to see if there is a program in place to help you in your situation of unemployment. Those who make inquiries for information will be sent a letter to describing available training opportunities and financial aid.

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