Colorado Research Calls For Greater Alignment Between Higher Ed, Employment
???I am excited to be back “online” after a week away for a spring break trip with my family. My sons – who are middle school and high school students – and I explored colleges along the east coast, right about the time?CNN?released a story about the $90K price tag at a number of private colleges. My “higher ed insider” mom voice kicked in and I quickly reminded my high school son that few students pay the “sticker price” and more often than not, students and families benefit from generous financial aid packages at both private and public institutions. My son, who advised me at the start of the trip to “not ask any questions, Mom…” (because I might embarrass him, I’m sure) quickly pivoted his request for as much information as possible about paying for college and understanding the admissions process. Higher ed mom win!
???The time together gave me the unique opportunity to talk with my boys about the importance of savings, the alignment between their interests and academic programs, and most importantly – the incredible (and largely affordable) in-state college options in Colorado. Over the coming weeks and months, I will be sharing some of my own observations as a “higher ed insider” parent navigating the college search process with my sons. I hope you will join me in this and share your insights about and reactions to our experiences.
??However, higher education access and affordability depends largely on students’ and families’ ability to leverage financial aid to support their college-going aspirations. While news of the difficulties with the?FAFSAabound, leaders with?The Daniels Fund?and the?Colorado Department of Higher Education?are hosting a forum to support higher education leaders, scholarship providers and education nonprofits to unpack the current “Better FAFSA” landscape. The event will be held in-person at The Daniels Fund offices in Denver on Monday, April 8 at 2pm MT. Register?here.
???I just finished reading two new reports: one from the?Common Sense Institute, which found that while?“...Colorado is rich with potential…and substantial efforts are being made to transform that potential into real impact,”?there is a lot of work ahead to ensure that our state’s historically inflexible education system is better aligned with the needs of the modern workforce. Not surprising – but not unattainable. Read the full report?here.?
I also read the new report from the?Keystone Policy Center, which provides an analysis of how Colorado can better equip students for success beyond high school. The Keystone report showcases two initiatives – one in?Denver Public Schools?and the Early College program and the program in the?Center Consolidated School District 26JT. You can read the Keystone report?here.
Both reports have me thinking a lot about career-connected learning opportunities and how we can create more ways for all young people to have exposure to jobs and careers as a way to help them discover the right “fit” for their pathway after high school. Which organizations – or which colleagues are advancing this work in Colorado? Share your insights with me?here.
???Two Washington, DC-based updates:?
???Finally, our team is currently accepting applications for a?Policy Research & Communications Fellow. This paid?Whiteboard Advisors?internship opportunity is great for a college student or recent graduate who is motivated to learn more about research, communications and education and workforce policy. Please consider sharing the opportunity with learners in your network!
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Great to see these reports highlighting the importance of alignment between education and employment. The recommendations will undoubtedly be valuable in shaping future policies. Best of luck to Dr. Stritikus in his new role, and thank you to Dr. Hauser for her contributions to higher education.