How to best use grandparents money

He sounds gifted. Possibly look at meets full need that also grants merit.

About paper bonds that are not physically in your possesion, even though you have your name on it, I don’t know if that is considered yours. Legally your mom could cash those out at any time, no need to notify you. I think since her name is on first, she pays the taxes on the interest as well regardless of who cashes it. Worth asking a professional.