I recently attended the second of three convenings at the Gates Foundation with educational partners from every sector you can imagine. From early learning to higher education, various perspectives, organizations, community partners, and agencies were in the room—including students.
Why are we meeting? To urgently address our state’s low FAFSA completion rates, decreasing number of students pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities, and how these trend data compare to our state’s current and future job market. We are not moving in the right direction as a system. Something must be done, and soon.
Wrestling with the Data
For years, many diverse perspectives have shaped our K-12 system and the pathways beyond it, from higher education, business and industry, and parents. Many voices, many silos. I'm encouraged by all these voices – and more – coming together to answer some tough questions. Why are fewer students pursuing two- and four-year degrees? Why are fewer students completing the FAFSA? With workforce wages often starting now at $22 dollars an hour at places like McDonald's, that can seem like a lot of money right out of high school. Why are more students satisfied with that and not choosing to pursue any kind of additional education or training?
As the group of adults wrestled with the data, the trends, and our own reflections on how we ended up in this predicament, the students eloquently shared their perspectives. They spoke about mixed messages on the value of a college degree, the anxiety of college debt, the complexities of financial aid applications, and a challenging economy forcing families to work multiple jobs to survive.
What Exactly Does "Post-Secondary Success" Mean?
The group then shifted into a robust conversation about the definition of “post-secondary” success. What exactly does that mean? Is post-secondary success the completion of a four-year degree? Is it a two-year associate degree? Is it some form of certification leading to a skilled job? Is it simply graduating from high school?
Should the definition be limited to the pursuit of additional education alone, or is there more we should consider? When one of the students said his definition was “happy, healthy, and hopeful,” the room was thrown into a frenzy. What does that look like on the High School and Beyond Plan? What is that pathway? Can one be happy, healthy, and hopeful without a college degree and a high-wage job? Our youth are asking that question even though employment forecasts clearly indicate that additional educational pursuits will be necessary.
This problem has no easy solution, but one thing is clear: We need to come to some sort of agreement around the definition of post-secondary success, and it better include the perspective of our students—and be much broader than the completion of a degree or certificate.
It's About Desired Outcomes
Post-secondary success should be defined as the achievement of desired outcomes following the completion of education beyond high school, such as vocational training, college, or university. These outcomes should be diverse to match the diverse contexts, dreams, and ambitions of our students and may include factors such as:
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Employment: Securing a job in a chosen field or industry with opportunities for career advancement and financial stability.
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Further Education: Pursuing advanced degrees or certifications to enhance skills, knowledge, and career prospects.
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Personal Growth: Developing critical thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong passion for learning.
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Financial Stability: Attaining a level of income that allows for financial independence, including the ability to repay student loans and support oneself and potentially others.
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Contribution to Society: Making positive contributions to the community, either through professional work, volunteering, or advocacy.
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Well-being: Achieving a balance between work, personal life, and mental and physical health.
Post-secondary success is not solely determined by academic achievements but also by holistic development, including interpersonal skills, adaptability, resilience, and the ability to successfully navigate the challenges of the world.
Looking Ahead to the HSBP...and Beyond
The High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) has been an unfunded mandate in our state for over a decade. And because the mandate came without resources, in most cases, you’ll find students engaged in compliance-based participation. As we look to roll out a statewide platform to increase the relevancy and intentionality of the post-secondary planning process, I hope we can expand our definition of post-secondary success.
I hope we can communicate to our students that life’s journey will include many pathways full of twists, turns, bumps, roadblocks, and open doors. Most importantly, the more they are equipped with training, credentials, experiences, and education, the more prepared they’ll be to navigate life while also being happy, healthy, and hopeful.