There was a time when every American generation thought that the next generation would do better than themselves. A good college education would lead to a job with a company for thirty years. The dream of an American education is fading due to the rising cost of post-secondary education. Now it seems that a college education does not guarantee sufficient income. Some college graduates return home because they can’t afford student loans and the cost of living.
Students who have to work to pay for college find it hard to keep up with the cost of living. It is not uncommon for a book to cost $100.00 or more. Students don’t get much in return for selling their book to the bookstore. The cost of accommodation and food is constantly increasing as the price of food, electricity and gas continues to rise. Recent changes to the minimum wage also lag behind typical living expenses. Students face financial challenges outside of the classroom that are forcing them to miss a semester or two.
The American Dream is also creeping into K12 systems across the country. Very few students are prepared to function in a world that is filled with computer technology. Students need early exposure to technology. Some say that analyzing the changes in the American Dream by looking at elementary school is not appropriate. The country needs to take a long-term look at how each citizen is prepared for future job demands. The types of jobs that K12 students must undertake will require different types of skills that must be an integral part of their current education.
There is a sea of change taking place in the financial markets that have provided families with funds to pay for K12 education and college. People who have a decent income find it harder to get a loan with a good interest rate. It is putting more pressure on families to save more money. Unfortunately, saving money can be difficult when a couple lives in a major city. The inability to obtain fair interest rates may force students to obtain higher interest rate loans that will last 30 years.
People from all over the world still come to the United States with the expectation of the American dream. The dream that they can start a new life and have greater freedom continues to draw them to this country. They understand that having access to education will increase their children’s employability. It is important that the country uses the talents of each citizen who is here. America needs to prepare for an increasing diversity in the 21st century workforce.