Attending college is a big decision and can depend on various factors, including personal goals, career aspirations and financial considerations.
Research shows higher education has driven economic mobility and well-being in California. In recent years, the state has seen increases in both college enrollment and completion rates at state public universities like the University of California and California State University systems.
Many professions require a college degree for entry-level positions or advancement. For some fields, college provides the specialized knowledge and training needed to excel. This can include technical skills, theoretical understanding and practical experience. Some professions require specific credentials that can only be obtained through college education. A degree can be a necessary qualification for licensure or certification.
Data from the California Department of Education for the 2021-22 school year shows 18,591 students from Santa Clara County public schools enrolled in college.
The Santa Clara County Office of Education’s College and Career Pathways Program coordinates College and Career Month every October to support all graduating students in being future-ready. College and Career Month provides workshops, events, college fairs and supplemental learning materials for students, teachers, counselors and families interested in learning more about California’s universities and colleges, financial assistance and the application process, as well as various career pathways and training programs.
The College and Career Month website serves as a tool for our high school youth to navigate their way into college and career pathways and was developed with the assistance of community partners, four-year colleges and community colleges in California and Santa Clara County. Informative and short, 20 minutes or less videos from financial aid institutes, community colleges and undergraduate colleges can be found here. This website will soon provide teachers, counselors and College and Career Center representatives with resources, such as lesson plans to increase their understanding of college at elementary, middle and high school Levels.
High school students and young adults weighing critical decisions about their educational pathways, as well as teachers, counselors and families, may visit https://sccoe.to/CollegeCareerMonth for resources and support.
San José Spotlight columnist Mary Ann Dewan has more than 33 years of experience in the field of education. Her columns appear every third Monday of the month.
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