ALAINA JOSHY’s Post

Is College the Only Path? Exploring Alternatives for High School Graduates In today's fast-paced world, the path from high school to college is no longer a one-size-fits-all journey. Having spent years in higher education as both an administrator and faculty member, I've witnessed countless students rushing into college due to societal pressures, thinking it's the only viable next step. While college remains a valuable and transformative experience, it's not always the best immediate choice for everyone. In my latest blog article, I delve into alternative pathways for high school graduates, such as apprenticeships, trade schools, gap years, and direct entry into the workforce. These options provide practical experience, financial benefits, and the opportunity to discover one's true passions before committing to a college education. Thanks to Jeff Selingo for sharing the article by the American Opportunity Index (via Axios) which was the inspiration for this article. In my article I offer some ideas and suggestions for how institutions can contribute and lead efforts to guide students through what will surely become a more complicated path to and through a college education. I strongly believe that college should be accessible to everyone and that it plays a significant role in personal and professional development. However, it's time we broaden our perspective on when and how young adults pursue higher education. Let's redefine what success looks like after high school and empower students to make choices that align with their unique goals and aspirations. Colleges and universities can and should play a role in these alternative paths. They have the opportunity to lead and facilitate these efforts and instill a lifelong learning mindset in those that serve. #HigherEducation #CareerDevelopment #LifelongLearning #StudentSuccess #CollegeAlternatives #Apprenticeships #TradeSchools #demographiccliff #serventleadership #workforce

Before committing to college and potential debt, it's crucial to consider alternative paths to career success. Shockingly, 4 out of 10 undergraduates leave college without a degree, highlighting the importance of understanding the commitment. In the 2021-2022 academic year, 40.4 million individuals attended college but did not earn a degree, as reported by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. The number of students with some college but no credential is on the rise, increasing from 39 million the previous year, accounting for 17.5% of U.S. residents 18 years or older, with a focus on racial and ethnic minorities. These concerning trends point to the necessity of exploring alternative routes like apprenticeships for young adults to achieve success. It's time to rethink traditional education pathways. #EducationisPower #KnowledgeisPower #HigherEducation #CareerSuccess #CareerPathways #Apprenticeships #Morethanonewaytosucceed

So, what do many students 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 out of higher education today❓ ▪ 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: There is a growing desire for faster, more efficient pathways to degree completion to reduce the overall cost of education. ▪𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Access to internships and job opportunities that align with career goals is increasingly important. And what do today’s students 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 in addition to affordability and career clarity, especially those coming straight from high school to college with some portion of their early education impacted by the pandemic❓ ▪𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 to strengthen resilience, well-being, and purpose as they develop and deepen executive functioning, social interaction skills, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.  ▪𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 with a hopeful yet realistic multidisciplinary pursuit of solutions to the complex challenges of the 21st century as a means to develop needed competencies like curiosity, creativity, and data analysis. 𝗪𝗲 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗲𝗿𝗮 to meet the learning and development needs of today’s 18—to 22-year-olds and the career connections they seek. Current and future students need a college experience designed with evidence-based practice in and out of the classroom to support their successful learning, development, timely completion, and career launch. Here's how the University of Minnesota-Rochester is adapting and innovating to shape the future of higher education. ▪𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: To meet the demand for accelerated learning, the University of Minnesota Rochester offers three-year degree programs, helping students save on tuition and enter the workforce sooner. ▪𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿-𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘂𝗺: One of our "College in 3" degrees is a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, completed in just 2.5 years. Students benefit from year-round classes and paid internships with our partner, Mayo Clinic, saving on tuition costs and gaining valuable work experience. ▪𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹𝘀: The program utilizes a unique seven-week block schedule, balancing intense coursework with success coaching for well-being and other core competencies. The University of Minnesota-Rochester has a campus culture with a strong appetite for next-phase innovation. 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗨𝗠𝗥'𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. With the right partners and strategic growth investment, our faculty and success coaches will continue to redesign the college to meet the evolving needs of today’s learners. #HigherEducation #UniversityofMinnesotaRochester #EducationalInnovation #StudentNeeds #CareerReadiness Link: https://lnkd.in/g3HEV9SS

If you're concerned that your high school curriculum isn't rigorous enough for college admissions, there are several steps you can take to strengthen your application: 1. **Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Courses**: If available, consider enrolling in AP or IB classes. These courses are recognized for their rigor and can demonstrate your ability to handle challenging material. 2. **Dual Enrollment**: Look for opportunities to take college courses while still in high school. Many community colleges offer dual enrollment programs that allow you to earn college credit. 3. **Extracurricular Activities**: Engage in extracurricular activities that showcase your interests and leadership skills. This can include clubs, sports, volunteering, or internships related to your intended field of study. 4. **Strong Test Scores**: Focus on preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Good scores can help offset a less rigorous curriculum. 5. **Personal Statement and Letters of Recommendation**: Write a compelling personal statement that reflects your passion, accomplishments, and the challenges you've overcome. Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers who can speak to your strengths and character. 6. **Summer Programs**: Participate in summer programs or workshops that align with your academic interests. This can show initiative and a desire to learn beyond the classroom. 7. **Online Courses**: Consider taking online courses in subjects of interest or in advanced topics that may not be offered at your school. 8. **Research Colleges**: Different colleges have varying admissions criteria. Research schools that align with your academic profile and consider those that value holistic admissions processes. By taking proactive steps, you can bolster your high school experience and present a strong application to colleges.

This article makes sense. I was enamored with ASU's cutting-edge teaching style from the first moment I learned about it. The way they foster motivation and engagement in learning is unparalleled. This was crucial for me, as maintaining a drive for knowledge is essential for success. I was particularly drawn to ASU's Organizational Leadership program. This program not only aligns perfectly with my career aspirations but also offers unique opportunities to develop essential leadership skills that are highly sought after in today's dynamic business environment. Most importantly, I believe ASU will provide a strong foundation for my future goals, as it has many others. Excelling academically and raising my GPA, I will graduate with top academic honors, "Summa Cum Laude." This achievement will open doors to prestigious master's programs that once seemed out of reach. Choosing Arizona State University has been a transformative decision, and I am excited about the journey ahead. From the people before me and the people that come next. Here's to embracing new challenges and striving for excellence! 🌟 #ArizonaStateUniversity #ASU #HigherEducation #OrganizationalLeadership #AcademicExcellence

Dual enrollment programs offer high school students a unique opportunity to earn college credits while still completing their secondary education. These programs allow students to enroll in college-level courses, either online or on a college campus, simultaneously earning credit toward both their high school diploma and future college degree. One of the primary advantages of dual enrollment is the acceleration of academic progress. By taking college-level courses, students can get a head start on their higher education journey, potentially shortening the time and cost required to obtain a college degree. This early exposure to college-level coursework also helps students develop essential academic skills and prepares them for the rigors of higher education. Moreover, dual enrollment programs provide students with a taste of college life and independence. They have the opportunity to experience the expectations and challenges of college-level academics while still receiving support from their high school teachers and counselors. This experience can be invaluable in helping students make informed decisions about their future educational and career paths. Additionally, dual enrollment programs promote academic rigor and challenge for motivated students who may feel limited by their high school curriculum. By offering a broader range of courses and subjects, these programs cater to diverse interests and learning styles, allowing students to explore areas of study not typically available in a traditional high school setting. In conclusion, dual enrollment programs offer numerous benefits, including academic acceleration, college readiness, and expanded educational opportunities. By participating in dual enrollment, students can enrich their high school experience, better prepare for college, and lay the groundwork for future academic and professional success. #talentserve #internship

Indiana folks: pay attention to this high school diploma overhaul. My thoughts are still developing, but initial reaction: this is an intentional effort by the State to undermine college readiness for thousands of students, diverting many instead toward industries that are desperate for bodies. This won’t be true for everyone of course, some schools (those over resourced) will develop pathways for students that prepare them for intellect work and high earning pathways. Most, however, will be directed to “internships and on the job learning.” The problem? These internships don’t exist. So instead, they’ll be expected to earn points for graduation by working low-wage, dead end jobs for a high school degree that won’t allow them to attend the college they had hoped for. For many years, Indiana has focused on the “three Es” for high school graduates: employment, enlistment, or enrollment by graduation. For thousands of students, this plan will largely eliminate of these Es: enrollment. It looks like Indiana is building a social factory to push more kids toward either employment or enlistment. It will create another pathway for other students, pushing them toward enrollment. I’ll let you guess which students and schools are more likely to funnel young bodies and minds toward employment and enlistment and which schools will have the resources for enrollment.

Here are some fast facts on Marquette University's value ⤵️ 💼 #6 nationally for job placement, 10 years after graduation – Zippia.com  🏆 The top ranked university in Wisconsin – Wall Street Journal/College Pulse   💰 Best Value – The Princeton Review  🇺🇸 Top 20% America’s Best Colleges – U.S. News and World Report  🤝 #16 in best schools for internships (private schools) and most engaged in community service – The Princeton Review  👩🏫 #19 in undergraduate teaching  - U.S. News and World Report 🧑🎓 91% of alumni are employed or in graduate school one year after graduation – 2021 Undergrad Survey

Dual enrollment programs offer high school students a unique opportunity to earn college credits while still completing their secondary education. These programs allow students to enroll in college-level courses, either online or on a college campus, simultaneously earning credit toward both their high school diploma and future college degree. One of the primary advantages of dual enrollment is the acceleration of academic progress. By taking college-level courses, students can get a head start on their higher education journey, potentially shortening the time and cost required to obtain a college degree. This early exposure to college-level coursework also helps students develop essential academic skills and prepares them for the rigors of higher education. Moreover, dual enrollment programs provide students with a taste of college life and independence. They have the opportunity to experience the expectations and challenges of college-level academics while still receiving support from their high school teachers and counselors. This experience can be invaluable in helping students make informed decisions about their future educational and career paths. Additionally, dual enrollment programs promote academic rigor and challenge for motivated students who may feel limited by their high school curriculum. By offering a broader range of courses and subjects, these programs cater to diverse interests and learning styles, allowing students to explore areas of study not typically available in a traditional high school setting. In conclusion, dual enrollment programs offer numerous benefits, including academic acceleration, college readiness, and expanded educational opportunities. By participating in dual enrollment, students can enrich their high school experience, better prepare for college, and lay the groundwork for future academic and professional success. #talentserve #internship

This is worth a read if you are in education or care about the outcomes of education!