Idaho College Access Network Summit Take Aways
The JKAF team attended the Idaho College Access Summit (I-CAN) yesterday at BSU and came away with a number of important take-aways.
- A high level of awareness was generated about the problems associated with a lack of post high school educational attainment and its impacts civically, economically, our political position in the world, as well as health benefits, and personal wealth. We have a modern day “Sputnik” and need to correct our course so we do not end up in last place, globally.
- Identified some great resources and want everyone to go check out this one out specifically: http://toolbox.pathwaystocollege.net/ – it’s got some great tools, resources, and data on creating a postsecondary culture at the school level.
- Keep a “personal” face on the issue. It makes a big difference in your level of investment when this issue affects someone you love. If you don’t have a personal investment then find one—there’s a lot of youth just waiting for a caring adult to support, encourage and affirm them!
- Public/private partnerships are essential because we all benefit or are hindered by the outcomes of our education system – no one entity can correct the course we’re on to the bottom of the global stage.
Oftentimes, we take things for granted until they’re gone. We can’t allow this great state to lose its way. Key statistics should compel us to act: approximately 5,000 Idaho teens drop out each year; just 1 in every 3 high school graduates go on to some type of postsecondary training or education, and financial barriers are overwhelming for those with limited resources.
Collective responsibility begins with individuals who understand their role as change agents. Do you?
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