The Policy Greenhouse

Sources: American Progress, Cost of Not Going to College, The Cost of Unemployment

Many students in America do not take the traditional path of college. This can happen for many different reasons beyond the students control, or they just might decide that it is not for them. Oftentimes, however, it is due to the cost of college. Ultimately, this decision hurts those students in the long run. For example, the unemployment rate among high school graduates is quadruple that of the unemployment rate of holders or bachelors degrees. The root of this problem lies in the employability of college graduates. Oftentimes, a high school education does not provide specialized skills that a college education provides. That is to say, the average High School student is not receiving a specialized education that would allow them to make a stable living in a trade outside of School. This lack of a specialized skill ultimately (in many cases) leads to unemployment, or reliance on a barely livable minimum wage. The ultimate cost of these grim circumstances is unbelievable. They range from not being able to retire (due to draining savings in order to afford everyday things) to worsening physical health due to stress and ultimately shortening lifespans. This is where the CTE (Career and Technical Education) initiative comes in.

Under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, states are provided with funding to develop the technical skills of secondary and postsecondary students who elect to enroll in CTE programs. This provides students with a very valuable alternative to a traditional 4 year college education. These programs keep students in school, and more often than not, lead to opportunities outside of school. They provide real-world experiences and work opportunities for students to turn to after completing a CTE curriculum. A good example of a successful CTE program is Linked Learning. According to its website, it “integrates rigorous academics that meet college-ready standards with sequenced, high-quality career-technical education, work-based learning, and supports to help students stay on track,”. This has proven true, seeing as how participants in the Linked Learning program graduate high school in high rates and sometimes even attend college. So overall, the CTE programs funded under the Perkins act of 2006 are integral to providing students with opportunities for employment and providing a viable route other than college.