US Debates Education and Career Paths Beyond College After High School
Discussions are ongoing in the US regarding the evaluation of different education and career options for high school students after graduation, rather than solely steering them toward four-year universities. In recent years, the expansion of career and technical education, applied learning, and vocational training programs has diversified the paths students can pursue after high school.
An assessment published by Matthew Carr at the Fordham Institute notes that students should not be evaluated based solely on their high school grades or college readiness indicators. It emphasizes that when deciding which path a student should take, factors such as the cost of college, financial aid opportunities, accessible educational institutions, academic support, and alternative career options must also be considered.
Research on career-focused programs in the US, such as Career Academies, technical high schools, and P-TECH, shows improvements in graduation rates, income, and post-secondary education outcomes for participating students. However, having low academic achievement indicators does not necessarily mean a student cannot benefit from a four-year university education.
Studies indicate that counseling services during high school can also play a significant role in students' education and career decisions. In the Bottom Line program, which is aimed at low-income students, professional counselors assist students in identifying their college options and navigating the application and financial aid processes. The program is reported to have increased bachelor's degree attainment rates.