It was not so long ago that most Americans thought that college was for the smart kids and, well, too bad for those who weren’t college material.
That thinking has changed dramatically. Many Americans now realize that, often, the traditional college degree has been vastly oversold — costing too much and delivering too little in skills and knowledge.
Some states have figured out that they can boost their economies by focusing their community colleges on the needs of firms in their regions. Florida is one such state, and in today’s Martin Center article, Christopher Morales argues that its approach is one other states should follow.
He writes:
The broader policy lesson is that technical education should not be treated as a fallback for students who are not “college material.” A student who completes a technical program in HVAC, welding, automotive repair, or marine technology is still pursuing postsecondary education. The credential is shorter, more occupationally focused, and often less expensive, but it is still structured learning beyond high school with measurable labor-market value.
In short, let’s stop luring young people into dubious college degrees. Use community colleges to offer them needed skills.
Read the whole thing.