Friday, March 13, 2015

On this Whole Philosophy of Trying to Get Career C Students to Go to College

You are not doing those people a whiff of good in that the likelihood of a person who struggled in grade school and high school doing well in college is extremely small. You would be much more helpful in guiding them toward an apprenticeship program, a regional vocational technical school, the armed forces, or, if you really and truly wanted them to go to college, a certificate program (our CC has them in pharmacy technician, therapeutic recreation, nursing assistant, security officer, etc.) at a local community college (the reason that I say a certificate program rather than an Associate's degree is because it is something that can be done in a much shorter period of time and the dropout rate would obviously be less, and you could always go for the Associate's later). This whole notion that everybody has to go to college is really something that the pols need to stop hawking in that is isn't just unrealistic but harmful, too.

4 comments:

Rusty Shackelford said...


Do you remember the guy who played Cliff on Cheers? His name is John Ratzenberger....he was on a business show last week.He's involved in a program that supports young people into learning programs.They learn how to use tools,to become mechanics,welders,carpenters,bricklayers,plumbers and other trades.

This is a great idea,a lot of kids just are lucky to get out of high school.

Les Carpenter said...

People who want to learn, learn. Those who don't, don't.

What is important is to find what you like for work and be the best at whatever you do. Legal work presumed.

BB-Idaho said...

There is a significant need in the
trades like plumbing, electrical,
construction, repair etc. Those are jobs that are not exportable
and pay good wages. Another celebrity, Mike Rowe
of "Dirty Jobs" is also very active in this effort, and has toured this state speaking to educators and students alike.

Will "take no prisoners" Hart said...

We need more Cliffies and Mike Rowes for sure.