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Recently, I read an article that focused on pushing people to “Stop,” Yes stop making individuals feel embarrassed about attending community college rather than a traditional four year college or university. Now why, you ask is this important? Well, it is simple. Everyone does not have the same path in life to reach their goals. Some have detours, barriers, interruptions, obligations, or life just presents for them in a way that would have them take an alternative route to gaining a post-secondary degree. In actuality, when a kid today is heading toward graduating from their local high school, I can guarantee they have never heard the term, “Post-Secondary Education.”

Those of us who are college graduates, academics, professionals, leaders and mentors; know what it took for us to get to where we currently are in our roles. However, we still may have done it quite differently than what today’s student will have the opportunity too when choosing their path and probably do it with a lot less debt to income ratio; thanks to Aunt Sallie Mae and Uncle Department of Education. Defining what post-secondary education looks like now is even more important because it is no longer just limited to getting a college degree. Oh, no! College isn’t the only path, absolutely not. These young people walking out of their high schools are now able to leave with college credits but also with limited credentials in many areas related to what we call the “trades.” As long as the student continues their education after high school whether it’s getting a GED, associates degree, certificate program, apprenticeship etc. then they are in the realm of post-secondary education.

Students have to be open to furthering their education, even if no one in their families have ever gone to college or beyond. We call these students “first gen’s,” the kids who are the first generation of their families to obtain a post-secondary opportunity by attending community college, vocational schools, or certifications. Let’s be honest, there are some students who are better suited for crafts and/or skills of specific jobs over some of us with Master’s and PhD’s. These same individuals are able to excel in academic training for careers where some of us would fold under the pressure. Some examples are students who are into computer networking, those young people who can build yours and my computer from scratch. Electricians, plumbers, carpenters and construction trades that need hands-on experience along with the math and science background. How about those young people who enjoy baking or cooking; who one day dream of opening their own bakery or catering business? Those that enjoy keeping us all looking fancy and fresh when we make our appointments for haircuts, dyes, razing and beautifying; they attend some of the best cosmetology programs in their regions but do not have to go to college to become the professional at their trade. This does not mean that these same folks won’t turn around and go back for their college credentials, it means that they had a different plan to start.

According to usnews.com the state of Michigan has a 89% graduation rate, for those wondering why I am providing this statistic; well this is because graduation rates are great indicators for a person’s future quality of life. Thinkimpact.com shares that “79% of Black students, 81% of Hispanic students, and 89.7% of Caucasian students graduated on time; Black students’ graduation rates have increased by 12 percent but still 6.3 points below the national average while Hispanic students’ graduation rates have increased by 10 percent but are still 4.3 points below the national average.”

So, graduation rates are amazing here in Michigan but the other end of this trajectory is the dropout rates. Michigan Department of Education shares our dropout rate as of 2020 is at 7.7% and this may or may not change as a result of our dear old friend COVID19. It has decreased which is wonderful however there are students who made a critical decision to prevent themselves from even having access to post-secondary opportunities. Those same young people are the ones we want to find a way to return to complete either their high school diploma or GED. Let’s be honest there is a need for the completion, finishing or making it to the goal.

Young people have to get that they only fail if they stop trying! Harriet Beecher Stowe says “Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” As adults, we have to be mindful of the mindset we are giving to the young people in our lives whether they are 2 or 22; they believe what we tell them. If you find that you are feeling some kind of way because your person is deciding to choose community college over university; trade school over community college; or an apprenticeship or internship; then it is you that has the problem not them.

There are so many resources available to parents/guardians to help them get their high school seniors in the right space for access to post-secondary opportunities. It is also helpful parents; to know what local agencies can provide the needed information for successfully helping them meet their goals. This could be the high school counselors, college readiness counselors at local colleges, set up college campus visits that can be done virtually now, finding out what organizations are looking for apprentices or interns; or set up with organizations who are looking for students to job shadow. These are just a few ways to help your high school student prepare for their futures whatever that may be for them.