Preparing for Life After High School
Working in Corporate America in various leadership roles; serving as a mentor, manager and college recruiter at job fairs, it was very disheartening to see the lack of preparation, professionalism and drive in the students. It was obvious that these students lacked the discipline required to establish a solid foundation and market their skills and abilities. What happened in a few years? Is it that big of a disconnect between the classes of generations? I don’t know, but I will offer some suggestions on how to combat these deficiencies.
The study, Paying Double: Inadequate High School and Community College Remediation found that 1 in 3 students are unprepared for life after high school. One-third of community college freshmen enroll in at least one remedial course and 20 percent of freshman in four-year institutions do. This is because they went through middle and high school without obtaining the basic skills that firm up the foundation of their life. The same applies to those who bypassed school and went into the workforce. The study also showed that more than 80 percent of employers say that recent graduates were deficient in “applied skills” like communication, work ethic, and critical thinking, while 72 percent were deficient in basic writing skills. These numbers have Corporate America afraid of the talent forecast of the workforce in the years to come. That is why parents, coaches, mentors, community leaders and educators have to take a more vested interest in all of our kids, regardless of relationship. It’s time to revert back to the basics and take on the village approach in raising our children.
The time is NOW. It is paramount that we start early in planning for academic achievement, college, and real-world readiness. If there is a lack in planning and preparation, there is a high probability students entering college will find it difficult and get discouraged about their future; therefore, dropping out. Others will not view college as a viable option, and as a result, they will find difficulty securing decent employment. US Department of Labor statistics, Current Population Survey states that those individuals who do not pursue a college degree have a greater chance of encountering obstacles such as unemployment, dependence on social assistance.
If you are looking for details on how to combat these statistics, seeking strategies and directions on how to help your child and youth group be prepared for life after high school, check out the upcoming book publication: A Road to Success: The College Planning and Preparation Guide (www.celestialsent.com). This book is designed to provide parents, group counselors, children, and mentors with a roadmap to success. In order for success to be met, there is a need for preparation. If one fails to prepare, they are preparing to fail. So this book will serve as a preparation handbook on what is needed for children to reach a higher level of achievement. The roadmap outlines the required skills that will take them successfully from middle school to college and then life in the professional world. Start making a difference today and invest in our FUTURE, they need us now more than ever.
By Tameka Williamson
Author of A Road to Success: The College Planning and Preparation Guide
E: tameka@celestialsent.com
www.celestialsent.com
FB: “A Road to Success: The College Planning & Preparation Guide” Fan Page
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