DGS49
Diamond Member
It is a widespread belief among Leftists, especially in Congress, that there is a figurative "goldmine of genius" abroad in the U.S., that "goldmine" being the academic and professional capabilities of bright, motivated kids from "poor" families who have to forego college because their parents cannot afford to help them get through it.
I have my doubts. My personal experience (though it is from a vastly different educational era) illustrates my point.
Long story short, I went to college, and my college was financed by the following sources:
I dare say, while the cost of higher education has increased dramatically since the Stone Age, there are many more programs available for "poor" yoots, especially if they are Black or LatinX. If a kid today is truly "college material," and is motivated to get a college education, s/he is getting it. In my circle of friends and acquaintances - some of whom are poor by any definition - every kid who belonged (belongs) in college has managed to get a college education.
And I resent the widespread feeling in this Land that military service is simply off the table. It is a FANTASTIC option for people of little means, and if you are "college material,' they will embrace you like a brother and give you training in any number of possible fields that could greatly enhance your economic value, even as a later college grad. No matter the color of your skin or the state if your gonads.
So my poll question is as follows: Based on your personal experience and knowledge, are there a lot of worthy kids who are having to forego college because their families can't afford to help them?
NOTE that this is a different question from "crushing student debt" after college, although many of the same factors play into that problem.
I have my doubts. My personal experience (though it is from a vastly different educational era) illustrates my point.
Long story short, I went to college, and my college was financed by the following sources:
- Accumulated savings from working F/T after HS graduation and during breaks,
- Small personal loan from my grandmother ($500 - repaid within six months),
- GI Bill (after three years in the Army),
- State subsidized loan ($1,000)
- One-time grant from Pennsylvania higher-ed assistance agency - $1,200 (because I was a vet, this was automatic),
- Employer tuition assistance,
- Earnings of myself and my wife as I completed undergrad and law school.
I dare say, while the cost of higher education has increased dramatically since the Stone Age, there are many more programs available for "poor" yoots, especially if they are Black or LatinX. If a kid today is truly "college material," and is motivated to get a college education, s/he is getting it. In my circle of friends and acquaintances - some of whom are poor by any definition - every kid who belonged (belongs) in college has managed to get a college education.
And I resent the widespread feeling in this Land that military service is simply off the table. It is a FANTASTIC option for people of little means, and if you are "college material,' they will embrace you like a brother and give you training in any number of possible fields that could greatly enhance your economic value, even as a later college grad. No matter the color of your skin or the state if your gonads.
So my poll question is as follows: Based on your personal experience and knowledge, are there a lot of worthy kids who are having to forego college because their families can't afford to help them?
NOTE that this is a different question from "crushing student debt" after college, although many of the same factors play into that problem.