Opinion

MARTIN: College Is not for everyone

Nowadays, many people believe post-secondary education is a need. Schools institute plans for students who plan on going to college and go through this long process. Being a college student, it makes me think of the question: Should everyone go to college?

I believe that everyone should not go to college.

College is not for everybody. Some people dislike school and really do not like the process. Some students are not the greatest and do not make great grades. So, what are they left to? They’re left to go directly into the work force.

I feel as if schools do not install enough programs in schools for these students to succeed. Students that are going to college have plenty of funding such as loans to support them on their journey. What do the students that are not going to college have? Some schools institute early vocational classes to get a head start for that type of college. The annual funding for schools of this kind usually get what is after four-year schools. The funding totals up to about $1 billion for non-college, vocational pathway, at both the high school and postsecondary levels.

Many consider the military in an attempt to make money fast. Military recruiters often target lower income areas in hopes to grab the students that do not have plans of college. Do not get me wrong, the military has plenty to offer in great skills and career training adult that will help in the civilian world. Many times, the military get kids that are in it for the money and not necessarily wanting to do it. 

I believe high schools across America should implement more skills training options. Diversity between the options of training students can have will give the ones that do not plan something to think about. Also, I believe schools should implement more classes for these students. Some students would love to learn a way to start a business, start a music career, or performing career without attending college. Fewer than half of high school students across the country feel they’re ready for college and careers, even though these remain top goals for students, according to a survey released in 2015.

Results from a multi-year College and Career Readiness survey of 165,000 high school students conducted by YouthTruth, a San Francisco-based nonprofit, found that 45 percent of students feel positive about their college and career readiness. A large number of students, 87 percent, want to eventually earn a college degree. Many believe that their schools are not helping them develop the skills they’ll need after graduating.

With that being said, I believe everyone should not go to college. Many students do not like school and believe they’re not prepared for a post-secondary education. As a course of action, I believe high schools should diversify skill and training programs for students that are not attending college. Adding classes specialized for students that would like to jump right into the workforce will accommodate and keep young adults from struggling so much at the beginning.

– De’Vante Martin is a sophomore Mass Communication major from St. Joseph, La.