“The stories we tell literally make the world. If you want to change the world, you need to change your story. This truth applies both to individuals and institutions.”
- Michael Margolis
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This week, our team is reading and reflecting on the results of this June 2021 study, released last week by Inside Higher Ed. While the data is critical for leaders in k-12 and higher ed to evaluate, it is equally important to recognize the emerging national consensus around the implications.
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While the debate about free college is not new, the convergence of recent historical events and their impact on the way we live and work is new, and students’ and parents’ beliefs about college are no exception—from which school to choose, to how to pay for it. Obviously, opinions vary by party lines, but the study is interesting because it illuminates that at least half of Republicans and Democrats, alike, are in favor of some amount of loan-forgiveness and/or free college for qualifying students. That kind of alignment is powerful and a hopeful indicator for change that will positively impact economic development for everyone.
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Where do we go from here? If most people agree to at least some amount of loan forgiveness, let’s abandon divisive objections that focus on “something for nothing" and consider providing a sound, basic global education to all students in the United States, including free community college, and two-year fellowship or work-based apprenticeship scholarships to every American who works 1,000 hours in community service for three years upon graduation.
What might the ROI for our country be on such decisions?
In the meantime, here are a few ways leaders and individuals can help support change, as well as a few resources for meaningful impact right now.
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For leaders in k-12, higher ed, and the workforce, empower your team with certifications that add value to your organization and their CV. Coursera, Udemy, or Udacity offer online certification programs, and many are free.
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This week, we are celebrating with a long-time friend and colleague, JB Buxton, as Durham Tech formally installed him as President of the college in an inauguration ceremony this week. One notable quote stuck out from his speech among all others -
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Next week, we’ll hear more from JB Buxton as he sits down with Setser Group CEO Bryan Setser to talk about Community Colleges—both as a pathway to jobs that are generational wealth-building opportunities and their role in increasing opportunity to create value through earnings premium and economic mobility as well. Congratulations to JB and to DTCC for selecting one of the most gifted and thoughtful leaders in education today. |
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Want to share Setser Group on social media? Use the sample post below!
Join Setser Group CEO, Bryan Setser, and Durham Technical Community College President, JB Buxton on Wednesday, August 4, at 2 p.m. EST LIVE as they discuss Community College as Catalyst for Economic Opportunity.
#futureoflearning #futureofwork #highered #k12 #economicdevelopment
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Join us next week for another Barriers for Breakfast YouTube live!
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