College is for everyone. I’ve been saying this same sentence for more than 20 years now, and with good reason — the more postsecondary education you have, the lower your unemployment rate is going to be, the higher your per capita income is going to be, and the more you’re going to earn over the course of your career.
However, we don’t have to think of postsecondary education as a “one size fits all” path for every student. It’s a journey that is different for everyone, and our students need to know that whatever path they choose is the right path for them.
Postsecondary education takes many forms — there are certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and beyond. No matter what we call them, almost every postsecondary program requires college or collegiate-level coursework. Academic rigor is required to build those skills, and students need to understand that college — in any form — IS for them.
We’re hearing more and more about a skills gap employers are seeing, and it’s not just in technical skills. Employers look for students who embody traits like adaptability, innovation, critical thinking, a desire for lifelong learning, collaboration, and communication skills. We must communicate to our students that wherever they start their postsecondary journey, the skills they learn will put them at a significant advantage for the rest of their careers.
But how do we communicate that postsecondary education is a journey, one that is different for each student? How do we meet the students where they are now to allow them to start their journey?
Michigan College Access Network provides resources and tools to help students determine whether higher education is right for them and their desired career path. Providing students with resources like the College Affordability Toolkit, the Student Checklist, and the College in High School sheet help communicate career pathways effectively and allow them to consider a path to choose.
College remains a powerful tool in unlocking opportunities for personal and professional growth, career advancement, and financial stability. By helping students explore their options, we can help them make an informed decision about the education and skills needed to help them achieve their career goals in this ever-changing job market and economy.
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Kate Snyder, APR is a savvy PR practitioner and veteran strategist who inspires and empowers government, nonprofit, association and other clients to connect with their audiences in new, dynamic ways. She is CEO and founder of Piper & Gold Public Relations, a full-service social impact public relations and communications agency committed to creating more just, equitable systems and communities. Rooted in Michigan, P&G’s work reaches across the country, helping clients navigate challenges, tell their stories and engage their audiences through powerful, truthful communications.
College remains a powerful tool in unlocking opportunities for personal and professional growth, career advancement, and financial stability. By helping students explore their options, we can help them make an informed decision about the education and skills needed to help them achieve their career goals in this ever-changing job market and economy.