Last year, I spent a lot of time with youth - either Project Still I Rise program participants, students at Paul L. Dunbar Learning Center...or members of my extended family. When the subject arose about college -- I got mixed responses -- and emotions. When discussing the importance of pursuing higher education for improved quality of life, (statistically) higher earnings over lifetime, and broadened horizons -- many of them seemed less enthused. Some mentioned that entrepreneurship was the new answer - but is everyone cut out to be an entrepreneur? On the one hand - I was surprised; but on the other hand - in light of the growing despair of college graduates who face the daunting task of finding gainful employment and erasing thousands in student debt, not so much. Even my nephew, who graduated valedictorian of his class in 2011 in East Texas and went on to attend OU seemed like he was just going through the motions for the sake of "doing the right thing."
Our parents instilled in us the value of education - - that it was the gateway to opportunity. But, do many kids today (Generation Y, Z, etc.) really still feel that way? During this administration, President Obama has launched relief programs to assist collegiate graduates crushed by mounds of debt, as well as a stimulus package to stimulate the economy and generate jobs -- but is it enough? What will be the new equalizer for jobs, income, and therefore, class in the new millennium?
Read Kevin Powell's personal testimony on why he still advocates for a college education - even in times of "The Great Recession."
Please weigh in on why you deem a degree, and the college experience, as still relevant.
- Michelle London-Bell, MBA | Dallas Urban Media, LLC
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