Many high school students assume they will continue along an academic path following graduation. But with the cost of a college degree skyrocketing in recent years, more and more kids and parents are questioning whether college is always the best choice.
The numbers don’t lie
Some 50% of new college graduates under the age of 25 are either jobless or underemployed (working in a field that only requires a high school diploma or less), according to an analysis of a 2011 Current Population Survey data by Northeastern University researchers. A college degree, though still recommended, no longer guarantees a better paying job, says Harvard economist Richard Freeman. With the collective college debt approaching one trillion dollars, this affects our economy as well and increases the crowded application pool for unskilled jobs.
What remains undisputed, however, is the need for all students to receive advanced training in order to follow a career path. Both Collier County and Lee County public high schools provide options for vocational training, including career academies at various campuses to create specialized learning communities within a school. Partnerships with area businesses offer opportunities for field trips and internships.
Another solution that usually results in a good paying job at graduation is attending a vocational college or high school.
The Lorenzo Walker Technical High School (LWTHS) in Naples is part of the Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology (LWIT). It has a dual tracked curriculum that includes both college prep and the technical training to obtain minimum required certifications in several trade and health fields. This type of curriculum opens up many more career possibilities and nearly guarantees students employment if they choose immediately to enter their chosen field after high school or simultaneously attend college and have a paying job.
The Immokalee Technical Center Dual Enrollment Center (iTECH) offers a similar curriculum for students in grades 10, 11 and 12 as well as adults. Both LWTHS and iTECH have professional business partners that mentor students and provide job opportunities.
Training for them, savings for us
Not only do these types of schools minimize college debt, they also benefit the community by providing low cost computer repair, automotive, cosmetic and food services. For example, a facial at the LWIT salon costs as little $15 and a shampoo/blow dry costs only $8. All of us from time to time could use a good computer geek and LWIT is full of them. For only $5 and the cost of parts, you can drop off your computer at the school where they can perform repairs, upgrades, downloads and remove malware.
LWIT also provides a low cost catering option. Gulf View Middle School PTO President Wendy Gurevitch says that the school has enjoyed using the LWIT catering department to provide desserts for teacher appreciation day and other events including student dances. The school will hold its eighth grade dance this spring at the LWIT site’s banquet hall with a fully catered meal.
The “storefronts” at iTECH include a cyber café and full restaurant, a practicing medical office, an automotive service center, a childcare center, and a cosmetology center, so the Immokalee community can enjoy low cost services as well.
Both schools are part of the Collier County Public School District and require an application and proof of residency to attend. A standardized placement test may be required based on transcripts.
Stacy Nicolau is the assistant publisher of Neapolitan Family. A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Stacy is the mother of 3 children attending Collier County public schools.