Parents wield a significant role in shaping students' career pathways, and while this influence is undeniable, the traditional approach of prioritizing college first is becoming increasingly outdated. Recent shifts in the labor market and educational landscape necessitate reconsidering career exploration strategies.

By 2022, over 60% of students opted for college, making it a less differentiated path. Meanwhile, data from the National Center for Education Statistics reveals an alarming trend: only 45% of students complete their four-year college degree in four years, extending the financial burden to nearly $200,000 for most students. A recent Wall Street Journal-NORC survey echoes this concern, revealing that 56% of Americans consider investing in a 4-year degree a "bad bet."

Future Skills Studio articulates a similar skepticism towards the traditional higher education system. It contends that the higher education market has been cleverly marketed as the only viable path to career success, leading students to invest in what Future Skills refers to as their "debt product."

So, how should students and parents navigate this complex landscape? Firstly, students should focus on identifying a broad career direction. This will determine whether a college degree, training program, or direct work experience best serve their needs. Secondly, matching this career choice with the relevant educational or training program is essential. Then and only then the choice of institution becomes relevant.

Future Skills Studio's innovative education programs offer a refreshing alternative. With components like a transformative pedagogical model, Learner-Powered Assessment©, and nine high-impact experiential learning programs, it revolutionizes the way students think about education and career readiness. Students are engaged in a personalized learning journey that enables them to discover their true mission.

Moreover, Future Skills Studio sheds light on the numerous alternatives available outside of the traditional college pathway. With rising tuition costs and diminishing ROI on traditional college degrees, the need for alternative educational paths has never been more pressing.

Call-to-Action

Don't let outdated educational norms dictate your future. You have the power to design your own pathway to success. Take charge of your skills development and educational journey today by enquiring about Future Skills Studio's groundbreaking skills development training programs. Break free from the conventional and embrace the innovative. Your future self will thank you.

This structure provides a data-driven and comprehensive view that addresses the multi-faceted nature of the issue while also incorporating Future Skills Studio's unique approach to education and skills development.

Rarely does one poll stare so deeply into the soul of a nation and tell its story. But a new Wall Street Journal-NORC poll exposes generational and political divides that echo loudly and transformatively across our culture, politics, and governance.

Why it matters: Bill McInturff, the pollster on earlier editions of this survey, told The WSJ that the combined toll of political division, COVID, and the lowest economic confidence in decades appear to be having "a startling effect on our core values."

"Patriotism, religious faith, having children and other priorities that helped define the national character for generations are receding in importance to Americans," The Wall Street Journal's Aaron Zitner writes.

"Tolerance for others, deemed very important by 80% of Americans as recently as four years ago, has fallen to 58%."

The findings: 

Asked to describe the state of the nation's economy, 1% (not a typo) chose "excellent."

56% said a four-year college degree is "not worth the cost because people often graduate without specific job skills and with a large amount of debt."

33% said they have very little or no confidence in public schools.

Look at the tectonic shifts from a Journal/NBC poll 25 years ago, in 1998:

Patriotism is very important: Dropped from 70% to 38%.

Religion is very important: Dropped from 62% to 39%.

Having children is very important: Dropped from 59% to 30%.

Community involvement is very important: Dropped from 47% to 27%.

Money is very important: Rose from 31% to 43%.

The bottom line: The poll quantifies a generational and political divide that shows a rot at the very soul of our nation."

Shift in Core (American) Values

According to this poll, once foundational American values like patriotism, religious faith, and even the significance of raising a family are rapidly diminishing in importance. These shifts have accelerated due to political division, COVID-19, and dwindling economic confidence. A mere four years ago, 80% of Americans considered tolerance extremely important; that figure has now shrunk to 58%.

The State of Education

The survey also provides telling insights into Americans' perceptions of education. A staggering 56% of respondents indicate that a four-year college degree is "not worth the cost," citing the lack of specific job skills and the considerable debt burden upon graduation. Furthermore, confidence in public schools is declining, with 33% of respondents expressing little to no confidence in them.

Noteworthy Changes Over Time

To put these shifts into perspective, consider how these values have evolved over the last 25 years:

The findings underscore an urgent need for a revised education and career planning approach. The public's eroding faith in conventional paths underscores the value of alternative, skills-based learning and career development approaches.

That's where Future Skills Studio comes into the picture. Our integrated learning platform offers a practical alternative to the traditional college route. With our Learner-Powered Assessment© tool, and our focus on experiential learning, we're geared to equip students with the real-world skills they need.

As education costs spiral and the value of traditional degrees comes under scrutiny, it is time to consider options that provide a strong return on investment. The future belongs to those who prepare for it today. Therefore, students are encouraged to inquire about Future Skills Studio's skills development training programs, designed to provide a sustainable and effective path to lifelong success.

 About the author:

Greg Twemlow, Co-Founder, Future Skills Studio, father of three, and perhaps one day a grandfather.

Greg Twemlow: sharing what I’ve learned from 35 years as a citizen of the world, parent, corporate executive, entrepreneur, and, since 2018, CEO of Future Skills Studio, focused on experiential learning programs.