The education that we receive as high schoolers at Jackson-Reed doesn’t prepare everyone for the careers they intend to pursue post-graduation, nor does it prepare students for the real world.

Currently, the sole focus of education at Jackson-Reed is college readiness. While this does serve many people, it does not serve all. College isn’t always an option for graduates. Many students can’t afford college, or are unable to mentally undergo another four plus years of schooling. Many others simply don’t want to. After all, a college degree is by no means required to live a healthy, successful life.

In fact, trade jobs like carpentry, plumbing, and electrical maintenance usually pay extremely well, and they provide benefits like pensions and health insurance; perks that aren’t always offered to college graduates in their first few jobs out of school. Today, these trades are dying out due to the lack of young people joining the sector, as many choose instead to attend college. But the idea that college sets you up for a brighter future can be misleading. Students are made to believe that college is the only possible route to success when in reality, trade jobs can make you the same amount of money (in some cases, more) faster, without leaving you in debt for decades afterwards. 

For a long time, vocational courses  like woodworking and metalworking were available in high schools across the country. Many of those classes aren’t offered anymore which discourages students from going into fields where they would need those skills, as they are far more prepared for college than they are for a real-world career. This option should still be open to students. Jackson-Reed should expand its vocational programs, along with offering classes like home economics and driver’s education. 

Furthermore, cooking, cleaning, and driving are skills that every student should be taught, regardless of what they intend to do after graduating. Sure, I could tell you how to derive an equation using the quotient rule, but what use is that if I can’t drive a car, or file my taxes?

School is supposed to prepare students for the real world. Jackson-Reed should be preparing its students for whatever path they choose to embark on post-graduation instead of forcing them to conform to one idea of what their futures could look like.