Higher Education: Charting A New Path to Jobs

Higher education has an image problem. Between the attention that is being given to the national student debt crisis – which currently sits at $1.6 trillion – and the increased popularity that trade career paths are seeing, many are asking what the value of a college degree is.

On the issue of affordability, there are opportunities to assist students with costs from many sides: putting pressure on companies to appropriately compensate interns, increasing the uptake and benefits of work-study programs, promoting scholarships, or working with industry-leading companies to help inform curriculum standards so that students feel more prepared for the job hunt – and loan repayment – after graduation.

There are also ways that local communities can support high school students as they begin to make serious decisions about their future. Trade and professional associates can provide advice on when a college degree still makes sense. And for African-American students – especially for those who may come from low-income communities – there is room to showcase the benefits of choosing a Historically Black College if they previously believed that college might not be the right fit for them.

This forum will discuss workforce development, affordability and how to help students make the right decisions for themselves.

Featuring Elfred Anthony Pinkard, Ed.D., President, Wilberforce University, John L. Comerford, Ph.D., President, Otterbein University, and Lisa A. Gray, President, Ohio Excels. Hosted by Alison Holm, Journalist, WCBE 90.5 FM.