advanced manufacturing

science-lab-where-a-group-of-high-school-students-are-active-898449832-stockpack-adobestock
science lab where a group of high school students are actively engaged in a robotics class with the teacher
Image Credit: Ivan Guia - Adobe Stock

The Case for Industry-Specific High Schools

As the price tag of a college degree soars, the perceived value by parents, students, and employers alike is decreasing. A 2024 essay in The Wall Street Journal found, “Nearly half of parents say they would prefer not to send their children to a four-year college after high school, even if there were no obstacles, financial or otherwise.” Additionally, the report noted that two-thirds of high school students believe “they will be just fine without a college degree.” Furthermore, the findings of a November 2023 survey revealed that an astonishing 55 percent of US companies eliminated bachelor’s degree requirements for employment eligibility. Instead, employers are valuing skills and experience over education. Employers face growing challenges filling specialized jobs due to the misalignment between college Read More ›

flight-instructor-and-student-inside-small-piper-aircraft-adobe-stock
Flight instructor and student inside small Piper aircraft
Licensed via Adobe Stock

A Proven High School Model to Replicate

In 2010, the doors opened to a new type of tuition-free public charter high school in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Located adjacent to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, West Michigan Aviation Academy has been turning out more than just future pilots for the past 13 school years. Read More ›