Wednesday, December 10, 2008
An invitation to a bright future
From the RoundTable blog
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Robert H. Sandel
Sandel is president of Virginia Western Community College.
The difference between people who graduate with a high school diploma and those who graduate and attain at least a two-year degree, certificate or some type of certification is the difference between poverty and good-paying jobs.
The 21st century has created an era of rapidly changing technology and a dramatically changing economy -- an era that requires higher education for a person to prosper. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that approximately two-thirds of all jobs in the next decade will require at least a post-secondary education below the four-year college level.
This new "knowledge economy" demands higher technical skill levels, critical thinking, creative problem-solving and strong communication skills. When people are locked into low-paying jobs or welfare, the results are losses for our economy, costs to society, and huge personal setbacks for individuals and their families.
In the Roanoke Valley, there are families who are in the second and third generations of poverty. Jason Bingham, vice-chairman of the Roanoke School Board, recently pointed out that in 1988 the city school poverty rate, as determined by free and reduced lunches, was 39 percent. Today it is 67 percent.
He further states, "For the last 25 years, the graduation rate for Roanoke City Public Schools has hovered in the 50th and 60th percentile. This compares to a state average of 81 percent. In translation, over the last quarter of a century, close to half of the young people in the city of Roanoke have voluntarily elected not to receive a basic education in the form of a high school diploma." Conversely, we have an opportunity to train 40 percent to 50 percent of our urban youth for sustainable jobs if we do it right.
School Board Chairman David Carson, the school board and its administrative leadership want to end the existing cycle of poverty and have more Roanoke graduates fill our work force needs.
The recently announced Roanoke Community College Access Program will provide solutions to these serious issues. Roanoke City Public Schools and Virginia Western Community College working together with the RCCAP can make a positive difference in our community.
A new study from the Institute of Higher Education Policy found that many students who chose not to attend college noted financial concerns were among the most significant barriers. In addition, those students who did not enroll in college were disproportionately members of minority groups and from low-income families.
Bingham continues, "We find many students finish high school without the resources to go to college. And, a sense of hopelessness sets in when there are many examples all around of people stuck in poverty. So, opportunity is forgone and many quit rather than persevere. It doesn't have to be that way."
Dr. Rita Bishop, city schools superintendent, said, "We must give children hope that they can go to college, that programs in the career technical areas will be available to move them into the region's job market, and that those who wish to transfer to a four-year degree will also have that option."
The RCCAP will economically bolster the Roanoke region, since employers rely upon a well-educated and well-trained workforce.
The RCCAP will provide a pathway for more students to achieve the education that is now essential for a sustainable career in our society, given the fact that postsecondary education is more important today than ever.
Local business leader Ed Hall notes the program will overcome the real and perceived financial barriers to a college education, raise awareness that a college education is essential to earning a living wage, and increase the number of Roanoke public high school graduates who enroll in college and complete a degree, certificate or certification.
The city's graduation rates will improve through the RCCAP, resulting in higher lifetime earnings for the community's young people, a better trained work force for area businesses and a more diverse school division positioned to receive greater resources from the state.
Combining financial support from federal financial aid, Roanoke and Roanoke City Public Schools, the Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation, business and industry partnerships, and other community and national foundations will make this happen.
This coordinated community effort will demonstrate that it is possible to raise the expectations and achievement levels of urban students, prepare them for college and put them on the pathways to productive careers and community involvement.
The RCCAP will open doors of opportunity, and we invite Roanoke city's students to begin their futures at Virginia Western.
