Higher Education

Tonight I heard a number of the young people talking about higher education and reasons they are not wanting to go to college or are unable to go to college. One of the reasons was the cost of living and attending college is too high, and the benefits of a college education are too distant for these teens to notice. 

I want to help the teens get the information necessary to make them reconsider a higher education, whether it be a 2 year or 4 year college, votech/trade school, etc.  Advanced education is a foundation for success.  Every day things can be taken from us, we may lose a loved one, we may have our purse/wallet stolen, our identity stolen, we may lose confidence in a friend.  Education can never be taken away, no one can go inside our brains and delete the knowledge we have put there.  Tonight, when Miss Colleen asked the teens why they came to the meetings, more than one person said the knowledge they gained is what brought them back.  These teens know that information given to them is in their minds as long as they want to remember it.  The same goes for a higher education.

If the reason against attending higher education is money, then the knowledge I would like to provide is information on grants, loans, and scholarships.  The last thing graduating students should worry about is the expenses they will incur during college.  The income they will receive following college, the possibilities they will have following college, the assistance they can receive- from the government, from other corporations and organizations- during and after college can be endless if they work hard enough at their program.

I added a link connecting to the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).  Students can complete this form and find out what types of loans and grants they qualify for.  The application walks applicants through the secure sight and sends the notice to the school(s) of their choice what amount they will be awarded. 

Another concern high school graduates sometimes have is lack of interest in school.  This is an issue that is more difficult to address.  One option is to consider a trade school, such as construction- electrical, carpentry, plumbing, automotive, cosmetology, massage therapy, etc.  These schools usually do not require as many years to attend, and are coupled with education of the field, and work experience while attending the school.  The ability to attend school while living at home sometimes relieves the stress of school expenses. 

Another consideration soon-to-be high school graduates need to have is the amount of lifetime earnings.  With a degree or trade school education, the income a person makes is greatly increased.  The information below, discussing the income is available at http://www.trade-schools-search.com/trade-schools-search-careers.html

• Did you know that the average “lifetime” earnings of a person with a 4 year trade school degrees is about $1,000,000 more than the earnings of a high school graduate; $800,000 more than a person with an AA degree?
• Did you know that earning your Masters Degree increases your lifetime earnings by about $500,000?
• And, an Associate Degree will provide an additional $300,000 more than the high school graduate! 

While school itself is an expense, it is a valuable expense.  The skills, education and often experience gained in school are paramount to the time and money spent at school.  Hopefully with this information, our youth, nationwide, that are leery of spending their time and money on themselves and their education will reconsider their reasons.