West Michigan Aviation Academy

Keri D. Ingraham joined The Daily Signal’s Tony Kinnett Cast to discuss the advantages of industry-specific high schools. She noted the rising number of parents who are rethinking the traditional college path, pointing out that many degrees fail to prepare students for the jobs they ultimately pursue — and that a growing number of employers are dropping bachelor’s degree requirements altogether. Dr. Ingraham also spotlighted the West Michigan Aviation Academy as a standout example of how high schools can successfully equip students with practical, career-ready skills.

Keri D. Ingraham appeared on That Kevin Show to discuss modernizing education. Ingraham addressed the necessity for reinventing high school for current workforce realities, how one-size-fits-all education is a disservice to our students, and the great example of West Michigan Aviation Academy.

Keri D. Ingraham joined Grant Callen on The Empower Podcast to discuss the benefits of industry-specific high schools, based on her recent policy brief at the American Enterprise Institute. Dr. Ingraham makes the case for aligning education with workforce needs by offering high school students hands-on training and industry-recognized credentials. She discusses the real-world success story of West Michigan Aviation Academy, how this innovative model fits into the broader education freedom movement, and how Mississippi could lead the way.

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 ›