The national rite of passage for high school students is for young men and women to obtain their diplomas and head off for an additional four years of education on the college level. That passage is a myth, although approximately seven in ten do go on to college following high school.
From there, some students pursue two-year degrees, others drop out, with a much smaller number eventually obtaining their degrees, pegged at 30 percent of adults.
Universal College
Some people have advocated “college for all,” in a bid to open up learning opportunities for every high school graduate, but that move does not appear to be helping students find employment as adults. The authors of a Harvard University “Pathways to Prosperity” project believe that there may be other options available for high school students including two-year degrees and job training.
Robert Schwartz, academic dean at Harvard’s education school and head of the Pathways project, released the study’s findings noting that just the thought of having to go to college may be too much for some high school students. Instead of pursuing a four-year degree, these students would most likely be better served by pursuing occupational training.
Occupational Training
Importantly, the study revealed that of the 47 million jobs expected to be created by 2018, just one-third will require at least a bachelor’s degree. Most of the new jobs will require employees to possess some skills, but the level of training they’ll need will be measured in months or a year or two, not four or more.
Though not revolutionary, the Harvard study could be evolutionary — students who dread the thought that only a four-year degree cab open doors will find encouragement to pursue other options. We’ll always need electricians, hair stylists, plumbers, construction workers and dental assistants, people who provide much needed services with specialized education and training, not a four-year degree.
The biggest demand for workers is in health care where workers will be needed to service America’s aging population of baby boomers.
Resources
Bloomberg News: Four Years of College Isn’t for Everyone, Harvard Study Says
Georgetown University: Center on Education and the Workforce
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