As graduation season comes to an end this June, high school graduates within the African American community find themselves at the crossroads of life. This moment of achievement is accompanied by expectation and apprehension as students look out at their future pursuits. It is essential to perform an introspective examination of the myriad of options that graduates find in front of themselves.
Decision-making can be terrifying for most graduates. It is important to urge young people to consider a multitude of possibilities rather than giving in to the pressure of following a single path. They have the choice to join the workforce immediately, attend vocational or trade schools, or continue their education at four-year or community colleges. All choices have advantages and disadvantages and must be carefully considered based on personal interests and career goals.
Entering the Workforce
Direct entry into the labor force is a sensible and valuable option for some graduates. There are already labor shortages in numerous sectors, particularly the skilled trades. By entering the labor force directly, young adults can acquire valuable experience and a regular income and begin building their professional network.
Entering the workforce can create immediate economic stability and opportunities for growth. Graduates can learn the skills necessary to live and discover the myriad of professional possibilities that can ultimately pave the way for future opportunities.
Trade Schools: The Best-Kept Secret
Personally, I have a particular bias toward trade schools, as they have greatly benefited my family. Three of my sons pursued their education in trade programs, leading to successful careers as two electricians and one gunsmith. Their experiences have not only equipped them with practical skills but have also fostered a strong sense of accomplishment and pride in their work. As more young people consider their future career paths, trade schools present a viable and rewarding option worth exploring.
Vocational training and trade schools offer an excellent option for those not interested in the college experience. Trade schools are designed to offer hands-on education and training in specialized fields such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), auto technology, and a few others.
One of the best advantages of trade school is the duration of the programs, which usually ranges from six months to two years. This allows the graduates to join the workforce much sooner compared to other students who may be enrolled in four-year colleges. Also, trade jobs are generally high-paying and in high demand for skilled employees.
Community College
Community colleges are a launching pad for those students who wish to attend college but are not quite prepared to attend a four-year university, community colleges provide a great alternative. They are affordable and offer a variety of associate degrees and certificates. Students have the opportunity to take general education classes while searching for their interests and choosing a specific course of study. Community colleges also articulate with four-year colleges,
where students can enter directly into a bachelor’s degree program after earning their associate degree.
Four-Year Universities
While I do have a preference for trade schools, I also have two children attending a four-year university. Each child has their own goals and aspirations, and having the option for those who are ready to pursue a four-year degree is incredibly beneficial. This variety in educational paths allows individuals to choose the route that best aligns with their interests and future career plans. The Traditional Path Even though not all graduates go on to a four-year college, this remains one of the more popular choices for students wishing for more of the traditional college lifestyle. Four-year colleges offer many degree programs and extracurricular activities that can continue to shape the student both personally and professionally.
Breaking the Mold
Individualization Paths As we proceed with post-graduation planning, let us also remind ourselves that each student is an individual. Parents, educators, and mentors should not box in teenagers and presume a four-year college as the key to success. Finding and discovering oneself might unravel promising careers best suited to one’s interest and aptitude. Within the African American community, where systemic ills and deep-seated discrimination have too often closed off opportunity, we must encourage various paths to success. By embracing vocational training, two-year or four-year college degrees, and direct-to-the-workforce entry, we enable our young people to create their own paths.
Conclusion
Strength in Unity As we reflect on the numerous possibilities available to our graduates, let us remember the invaluable significance of family and community support throughout the journey. For most African-American families, family is not just a biological connection; it is a communal strength that encourages strength, resilience, empowerment, and love. When the family comes together as a support group for the children, they form an environment where dreams can develop. This unity is precious for helping young adults with their choice upon graduation to go to work, vocational school, or continue their education in college. United families can pool their resources, information, and skills, offering guidance and support every step of the way. Celebrating every triumph, no matter how small, is a reminder that success is not a solo act. In times of hardship and the ills of society, an unbroken family provides an enduring support system, demonstrating to our children that they are never alone. They can overcome stereotypes, push through doors, and carve a path for generations to come. As we urge our young graduates to make their own ways in life, let us also instill in them the principles of unity, teamwork, and the importance of a supportive community. As we lift each other up, we enable not only personal dreams but also the very foundations of our society and families as a whole. Furthermore, we have to give our youth roots and wings – roots that will keep them grounded in their identity and heritage and wings that will allow them to fly to their aspirations. Together, we can build a legacy of pride, tenacity and achievement that will echo for future generations. We must be the Communities Voice, standing for one another and giving every young person an equal opportunity to achieve their highest potential.