In recent years, much attention has been paid to K-12 student performance, and rightly so. The educational foundation our children receive in schools prepares them for life; we must devote significant resources to ensuring that education is strong and comprehensive. But we must not forget about our students after they leave high school. College graduates are critical to maintaining a successful American economy.
According a report recently released by the Public Agenda, a nonpartisan think tank, 2.8 million students enroll in a college or university every year; most of them do not graduate in four years. In fact, many drop out early in their college careers. These students say that it is often too hard to work and support themselves – and often their families – and go to school at the same time. Over a third of the students say that even if they received a grant that helped pay for books and tuition, returning to and finishing college would tax their already full schedules. This is alarming news, considering that more and more of today’s college students are considered ‘untraditional’ students – they have families to support and must work while in school.
Of those who eventually finish school, they are taking longer to graduate. The report notes that only one out of five students who enroll in two-year colleges receive their associate degree, a program that typically takes two years, in three and that only two out of five who enroll in four-year colleges receive their degree within six years.
College graduates provide much needed innovation, analytical reasoning and specialty skills that move our economy forward. Additionally, college graduates earn significantly more money over the course of their lifetime than a high school graduate will, money that will be poured back into the American economy.
Knowing this, the American government has to work to support these already overwhelmed students by building supports into the nation’s grant programs for students. A housing stipend for students who have to pay rent and subsidized day care for those with children are among the benefits that go a long way in making sure fewer students drop out of college because of such conflicts.
Obviously, much can – and needs – to be done. The American legislator should view the Public Agenda report as a call to action, taking the disturbing information presented and using it as an impetus to sit down and really think of ways to support our college students. If a student is motivated, we must do all we can to remove the barriers that stand in their way.
I can agree with this. I returned to school later in years. My oldest daughter completed college with her Bachelor degree as well.
The decision to attend college or return to college is not easy. Unless there is a plan for family, household and finances, it’s almost difficult. There is definitely a need for balance and sacrifice. Everything you need for life…the process is usually not easy.
Let me share my experience…I decided to return to college after my youngest daugher turned 18. When I made that decision, I carefully researched the options of financial aide, grants, and so forth. I begin as a part-time student taking only one class during the evening for two nights. Gradully, it increased to two classes and three nights. Because of work demands (overtime, holidays etc), this process seems overwhelming. Not to mention the pressure of family and other outside activities. I felt like giving up so many times. But, this has been a lifelong dream of mine. To pursue higher education. I often joked that one day I will be the real Dr Phyl (lollll).
After attending for about 2 1/2 years the opportunity arose where I could attend full time. (I was laid off from my job after 21 years of service). Funding for school was not easy. It can ve overwhelming and time consuming. As if you are forced into the option of selecting a loan. I was hestitant at first because at this stage of my life, I didn’t want to face enormous fiancial risk like a $40,000 school loan after completion. I accepted the Stafford Loan BUT, in addition, I only used money that I needed, the rest I declined. Also, eash month I would pay a little back. I’m glad I made those decisions because now anticipating graduation in 2010, my loan is managable.
Let me add also with balancing family and such…it’s not easy. Circumstance may arise where you have to choose. But the bottom line is, it’s sacrifice. You got to want it. You have to have that ‘no matter what, I’m here till the end.’ It the end result.
I ate a lot of bologna sandwiches and peanut butter crackers for lunch and even dinner. Honestly I can say I haven’t been shopping (real shopping) in years. But in the end, I’ve gained knowledge,..a wealth of knowledge and this time I choose a career.
I welcome the idea of higher education. Its the most valuable, honorable and rewarding experience in one’s life. And may I say this, if anyone is worried about the lengeth in time for completion, trust me, noone will ask you how many years you spent attaining your degree, They only see the end result.
I encourage anyone and everyone to pursue an education. It’s the american way. The rewards are many.
Phyllis Evans
HI, My only child brought me secretly to tears tonight, Single parent of a thirteen year old son, A,B honor roll student, who came home feeling depressed , becaused he already start seeing things that are going to prevent him from going to college,he’s allways looking ahead some thing that i taught him, but now i think it’s back firing. one main thing that is preventin my son to go forward is the extra help that he needs in advance maths, countinuation of the use of his instrument that is paid for monthly, he as one every local music award both vocal and by reading that he as entered. now he’s on is way to the finals in tampa. He is also discouraged about being the only African American that seems to be working so hard ,for everyone else it’s sports.How can i let him see that yes if he countine to work hard , when the time comes he won’t have to worry about getting into college; when he has a uneducated mother, no positive african american male role model, and a school system that does not expect or encourage the best from him.we at home adore him but we are afraid we will loose him. Nickname; M.J
I think this would prove to be a motivating incentive for individuals that want to pursue their college education, but find economic roadblocks along the way in pursuit of this goal. Yes, legislators should take a look at the Public Agenda and a look at the Pew Center for the States report of 1 in a hundred behind bars. Of course, our people hold the highest numbers, the numbers reflect as well the ages of these groups. It is alarming to see how many young black males are behind bars when they are at an age where they should be in college. It seems like some sort of well planned out design. There needs to be a shakedown within the Criminal Justice Department to see where the most funding is going and there should be a cap on the amount of funding a state can get for prisons. Some of that money can be redirected into the fulfilling some of the educational initiatives that you are referencing to.
I agree with all you have said; in addition to that is, in my opinion some people do suffer from fear. consciously or unconsciously we often have a fear of being successful.
I totally agree with the above statement! My name is Tiffany Greathouse and I am 33 years of age. I am the proud mother of two children ages 17 and 2. My husband and I have been married for 12 years and it has not been easy. I had my son at the age of 16 and his father has been incarcerated for 16 years of his life. I was able to receive my high school diploma after completing summer school in 1994. I was told that I would not make it and this is why I have tried so hard to do my best. I met my husband when my son was 2 years of age and he has been a wonderful provider, supporter, and role-model; as a result, I have been blessed to be able to earn my Bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University and I will be completing my Master’s program in February of this year; earning my Master’s of Art in Education. I would like all college students or potential college students to know that all is possible. I ask that our American legislator consider that our students coming up will maybe make decisions for us; when we are no longer able to make them for ourselves; therefore, we should make sure they are prepared and able to be productive citizens.
Thank You,
Tiffany Greathouse
laceytootles@yahoo.com
I have to agree completing college has definitely been a challenge. I am pursing my Bachelor’s degree and I have had obstacle after obstacle. I decided that I needed to make the effort to push through regardless of my circumstances. I feel that students must get better control of their time managment skills in order to make better plans for the future. We should not always look for the govenrment to fix every thing we need to fix things ourselves and stop thinking that if this was done or that was done. I think that if things were needed to be done to help support student the cost of living would be a great start with allowing student a discount on housing expenses as long as they are in school. I feel that allowing student to have a lower cost on their personal expenses while in college would be beneficial.
Kandygurl
January 7, 2010
very interesting how most students who enter college do not graduate within the recommended time or not at all. We made the decision to allow my husband to go to school full time while I work full time and support the family. it has not been the easiest time and i’ve have graduated with from college already. we are a family of 6 and the kids are very young. i am really adament about him not working because i remember working and going to both full time. the stress was too much. i wanted to give my husband less stress and worry so that he can focus on school. that is the best decision to put our family in the right positionin the future. with that decision comes other male issues. does anyone have any suggestions on what i can do to keep him encouraged? he doesn’t listen to me at times because i don’t come from the same background as he does, i turn to your site since you have overcome against all odds.
Dear Judge, We need your voice in Michigan Legislature to Help the NON DEAD BEAT DAD! F.O.C wants to give you a Felony if you are in arears with them. I thnk this is a Lynching sir. There are no JOBS IN MICHIGAN & NO AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, WE ARE SCREWED!! You cant get a Job if you have a Felony on your record. This seems like a Chronological pattern to DESTROY BLACK MEN in Detroit. I know that you are a very busy man Mr, Mathis but, we need you to be our voice in Lansing Michigan. Tell Gov. Grandholm that we are tired. I am a MOREHOUSE MAN who can’t find a job, F.O.C could care less if I find work, I am not a felon, I am a hard working man who wants Justice. GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH! A. GOODALL
Dear Judge Mathis,
In regards to this post you placed on your blog, I whole heartedly applaud and support every word of these paragraphs! I am a mother of two children, my husband is and has been in the military for 11 years, he has three children from a previous marriage and my school is entirey paid for as I am a veteran receiving the GI Bill however we are STILL facing a great deal of adversity in paying child care and living expenses. Your personal story is a great inspiration to me, every time I break down and think I am not going to make it through I just think “from jail to judge in 15 years.” I think what needs to be placed in the minds of children today is that the BEST things for yourself and your future require the most work. It may be easier for those kids to steal that $500 dollars now, but the milion dollars they can make in the future is so much more fulfilling and satisfying. I love what you do with your show, you may “award” people with 500 dollars here and there but I think the issues that you address and your inspiring story is the greatest thing you do with your show. You are a very wise man and you keep me trying. Thank you Judge Mathis.