As the price tag of a college education soars and families continue to adapt their lifestyles to the recession, students approaching college might be considering putting off college or looking for cheaper alternatives.

Last year, one of the PayPal cofounders started a $2 million fund to get students under 20 to drop out of school and each start their own business with $100,000 in startup money. Stanford also launched open source classes available to anyone, from anywhere in the world who wanted to take a free course and receive a grade. In the last few years, people’s lifestyles have become more integrated with technology, playing with educational apps, searching the Internet for information from a handheld device, and sharing information via social media.

Education is no longer confined to a one-size fits all model or even a single definition. Education is adaptable and customizable for the student depending on their location, interests, and socioeconomic standing. There may be many choices, however, a common goal for those searching for higher education in an unstable economy is to find an affordable form of education that can help them get a job and that won’t bury them in debt. Open-source classes are affordable, but they don’t come with the same job outlooks as the $40,000 – $50,000 master’s degree from Stanford.

What options do students have who desire a top education without paying top dollar? Go overseas, says Charles Kenny in his article “Foreign Policy: Outsource Your Kid.” He says, tuition at some of the best universities in Asia, Europe, and Africa can be as low as $4,000, well below the median cost of a college degree in the United States. Of the top ten universities ranked by Time, seven of them are in the U.S. However, 99 percent of U.S. college applicants won’t be attending top schools like Harvard or MIT. Many could benefit culturally, academically and financially by going to college overseas.

Did you know, South Africa’s University of Cape Town beats out Georgetown University on the QS rankings, but Georgetown students pay upwards of $40,000 for their education, while foreign students at Cape Town pay $8,000?

Not only are there colleges around the world that will save the cost-conscious family money on a quality education, students will gain more global knowledge than they ever could attending an in-state school. Students will be immersed in a new culture, possibly learn a foreign language, and get first-hand experience that will prepare them for the global world of work.

Would you consider a college education abroad for you or a family member? Why or why not? What are the benefits of staying in your own country and paying more? What are the benefits of studying abroad and paying less?

Amidst the slow economic recovery, business start-ups are on the rise. Graduates facing a bleak job market as well as downsized seasoned professionals are finding fulfilling work in entrepreneurship. The U.S. Small Business Administration reports that a staggering 9 out of 10 businesses fail within the first year. Following are five suggestions to help aspiring entrepreneurs avoid the pitfalls on the road to business success.

1. Develop emotional intelligence. Even the smartest entrepreneurs may be unaware of their strengths and weaknesses. Yet self-awareness is key to operating a successful business. You need high levels of emotional intelligence to keep yourself—and your business—moving forward.

2. Distinguish your products or services from the competition. One of the biggest fallacies in business is obsessing over trends and in the process losing sight of what makes your business unique. Carefully assess how you differ from the competition and what you can do better.

3. Invest in yourself. Many entrepreneurs expend tremendous energy and inspiration at the start of their venture. But maintaining that same fervor becomes more difficult over time. Determine what can keep you motivated to achieve your goals. Consider hiring a career coach or a counselor to help you discover whether your passions and values are compatible with running a business.

4. Find resources. Don’t try to figure everything out yourself. Continue to network with mentors and with community and professional organizations, such as your local chamber of commerce, to help your business succeed. For instance, the U.S. Small Business Administration provides a full range of services to small business owners, from getting a loan to developing a business plan, at www.sba.gov.

5. Learn business management skills. If you aren’t experienced in business, upgrade your skills. Many colleges now offer academic majors in entrepreneurship. If you don’t have the time or money to pursue a business degree, attend business seminars or purchase a reputable business video course. With the right tools, your new business can succeed.

At Skyline High School in Oakland, California, there is a program that provides students with a focus on careers in the education field. The program, called Skyline education academy, provides students with classes that focus on the education field. It includes a college-prep style learning system, and field trips to elementary schools, where students have the opportunity to act as student-teachers for the day.

Skyline is one of a growing number of schools in California that is working to increase high school graduation rates through an initiative called Linked Learning. Linked Learning merges high school courses with work experience based on the career subject of the program. It has been found that students are more engaged in their coursework when they can apply it to real life. The career-based academy gives the students an in-depth view of various industries to study, such as education, architecture, and graphic design.

Skyline and other schools that use Linked Learning have reported higher attendance and graduation rates as well as better test scores. Programs such as Linked Learning could definitely benefit other states nationwide, because they will enable students to not only apply what they learn to their futures, but also to see just how many possibilities are out there career-wise.

When students are goal-oriented and know that the purpose of their education is to prepare them for success in career and life, they will be more motivated to strive for the best. Books like Sophomore Guide to College and Career are geared towards getting high school students to think about potential careers and what happens after high school ends. To learn more about this book and other LifeBound books and materials, visit www.lifebound.com or e-mail contact@lifebound.com.

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Article: Linking courses to careers improves grad rates
James E. Canales
Sunday, July 25, 2010
When Cynthia Gutierrez arrived four years ago at Skyline High School in Oakland, she was neither an academic superstar nor someone who struggled with school. Like most kids, she says, she was “somewhere in the middle.” Bored with her classes, she’d left behind a trail of C’s and D’s, and with some bad luck, she might have even lost interest in school altogether. “I didn’t know what I was doing,” she says.
Instead, Gutierrez had a stroke of good fortune. During her freshman year, a teacher told her about Skyline’s education academy, a small school within the school centered around careers in education. When she heard the program included regular field trips, she signed up. Gutierrez and 25 of her classmates spent the next three years taking classes together on education-related topics like child development and how people learn, combining a rigorous college-prep curriculum with student-teaching trips to local elementary schools. In the close-knit environment of the academy, Gutierrez found new motivation, and she discovered a love of teaching.

To read more: www.sftimes.com

Carol’s Summary:

The Generation Y population (those born in the 1980’s and 1990’s) is entering one of the worst job markets since the Great Depression. Students are graduating from college with Bachelors and Masters degrees with debts ranging anywhere between $15,000 and $100,000 from school loans, and finding a job that pays minimum wage if they are lucky.

Although the recession has affected workers of all ages, the unemployment rate for those aged 20-24 is 15.3 percent, which is more than double the rate of the other age groups not to mention a great deal higher than the overall unemployment rate of 9.5 percent.

Even though the Millennials’ population is seemingly the best-educated generation to date, the recession could in fact cause these people to delay their careers by up to 15 years and in turn lower their lifetime earning potential significantly. With this grim outlook ahead of them, what can the Generation Y population do to more effectively push themselves into the career they had hoped for upon graduation? The following are some suggestions:

1. Work for free. Many companies may not currently have a position available for hire, but a good way to get to know a company and the work they do is to participate in their internship program. If you work hard and get involved with the company, you are more likely to get hired when a position does become available. Even if you don’t get hired at the end of the internship, you are walking away with valuable experience and in most cases a valuable recommendation.

2. Outsource. If a company is unable to hire you full-time, offer your services on a contract or project basis. This will give you the opportunity to get real work experience and to stay connected to the professional world while you are looking for a full-time job.

3. Find a coach or a mentor. A good way to learn more about the career you are seeking is to find a seasoned professional to mentor you or if you can, hire a coach. Connecting with a mentor allows you to learn the “tricks of the trade” as well as get an inside look into your field of interest, while connecting with a coach can help identify as well as work on your weaknesses. A mentor can also help you get in touch with other professionals in which you can network with.

4. Get involved. Joining a professional association related to your field of interest can give you many opportunities to network with working professionals. This kind of networking can help you find jobs that are not listed for the public, as well as give you an inside scoop on how to get hired.

5. Maximize your resources. Many students fail at finding a job because they do not take advantage of the resources available to them. For example, a school’s career center is a great resource that is often underutilized. Many companies will work with career centers to find new hires instead of posting public job announcements because they know what they are getting when a school refers a graduate to them. In addition, a school’s career center is aware of student programs with the government and many other companies.

6. Do not give up. The most important thing to remember when looking for a job is not to give up. One must realize there are many people in their same position and it may take a while to find a job, but it will be worth it when you do.

The Generation Y population may have many obstacles to overcome, but there are just many opportunities for them to take advantage of. In addition to the suggestions above, LifeBound provides professional coaching for those who need some extra help finding their place in the professional world. For more information about LifeBound’s professional coaching, visit www.lifebound.com or email us at contact@lifebound.com.

Article:
Gen Y: No jobs, lots of loans, grim future
Millennials’ delay in starting their careers could wallop long-term finances

They are perhaps the best-educated generation ever, but they can’t find jobs. Many face staggering college loans and have moved back in with their parents. Even worse, their difficulty in getting careers launched could set them back financially for years.

The Millennials, broadly defined as those born in the 1980s and ’90s, are the first generation of American workers since World War II who have cloudier prospects than the generations that preceded them.

To read full article: www.msnbc.com

If you’re looking for work, it’s tempting to inundate the job market with your resume and take the first offer you get. But as a career seeker, you need to think strategically, while keeping your options open. You’ll have more success with landing a job—and being happy once you’re there—when you’ve assessed your needs, as well as the company’s, in advance. Following are ten things to consider before accepting a job offer.

1. Company culture. Does the company’s dress code, leadership style, and overall mission fit your personality and work habits? An interview can confirm your instincts and help you make an informed decision.

2. Salary. Be realistic. For most companies, the slow economic recovery doesn’t permit high starting salaries. However, after you’ve been offered the job, you have the chance to prove your worth.

3. Benefits. Does your employee package include medical and dental benefits? Are other benefits included in the employee package such as profit sharing? Is there a retirement plan or tuition reimbursement?

4. Opportunities for career advancement. What are the projected timetables for promotion? If the job doesn’t lead to advancement, does it offer an opportunity to sharpen your skills or meet people in your field? Think creatively to determine alternative ways that the job can bolster your career.

5. Training program. Will you receive formal training? Who will train you and for how long? Find out what tools the company offers to help you perform optimally.

6. Travel. Many corporate positions, particularly in sales-related fields, require travel. How often must you travel? What is the company’s policy for reimbursements? If travel is local, will you have use of a company car?

7. Commute. How much time will it take to get to and from your job each day? Is this acceptable to you? Is public transportation an option? Is there someone you can carpool with?

8. Evaluations. How often are evaluations given? What skills and qualities are rated on the evaluation? How does the company measure success within your position?

College graduates are facing the worst unemployment market in a decade. Today’s grads find themselves competing for entry-level jobs against laid-off workers with M.B.A.s and years of experience. Plus, war jitters have kept economic recovery from moving into it’s natural next phase. Yet with a little tenacity, college grads can keep their career goals on track and their emotional equilibrium in tact.

1.) Get Help. Whether you pay a personal career coach or you have a role model you admire who is willing to work with you, it is useful to have objective advice as you continue your job search and build your professional skills.

2.) Work as an intern. If there is a company or field in which you ultimately want to work, apply for an internship. Getting your foot in the door and proving what you can do can often land you full time employment after a few months.

3.) Use on-line resources. There are many on-line resources, like Monster.com, which provide job leads and expert advice to help you weigh the pros and cons of job options. If you are interested in working for a specific company, do online research about that company and follow the business decisions being make online and in the newspapers. Continue to look up job opportunities on their web site.

4.) Develop a Supportive Cadre of Friends. Thousands of college graduates are unemployed right now. Take the time to cultivate friendships with people who are positive and up beat despite the challenges in the economy. These people will make the most of this opportunity, and they will give you encouragement when you need it.

5.) Take a Leadership Role in a Volunteer Organization. If you aren’t the leader you have always wanted to be, change that now. Join a volunteer or non-profit organization and volunteer to do something significant to make a difference. You can parlay this experience to your advantage when the economy turns around.

6.) Keep Expenses to a Minimum. While you are working two jobs, one of which may be non-paying, keep your costs down. Be creative with how you can save money. Cook at home and entertain yourself on less.

7.) Network. Meet as many people as you can who may be able to help you in the job search—friends, neighbors, grandparents and anyone else you may meet. Ask crucial questions and enlist their help and advice on the job search.

8.) Interview. Call the company or business where you would like to work and ask if you can interview someone with your dream job. Ask that person relevant questions about how they got started and what are the pros and cons of their job. These people will often be flattered that YOU want to spend time interviewing THEM out of respect, and can therefore be very helpful and perhaps give you some connections or people to contact. Again, this is NETWORKING!

9.) Continue to Learn. Employers value employees who are self-directed learners. So be aware of current events and know your industry by reading trade publications. Be disciplined about keeping your learning alive, especially after you have graduated.

10.) Keep the Faith. The economy will turn around. Until that happens, keep upgrading your skills even if you are not in your dream job. Have a resilient attitude and ask yourself what the lessons are in this time period. If you can answer that in some future interview, your prospective employer will know that you create opportunities no matter how tough the situation.

Carol’s Summary:
The Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University released a report on Tuesday, which predicts that about 63 percent of jobs will require employees to have at least an associate’s degree by 2018. The report states that millions of job seekers will be under-qualified; leaving many employers understaffed and with a possible need to outsource job positions.
The report states that there will be a need for 22 million workers who have at least an associate’s degree, but 3 million positions will be left unfilled. The most in demand fields will be in health care, technology, and education, all of which require some kind of post-secondary education.

A post-secondary education is not only important for finding a job but is essential to one’s overall financial well-being. A post-secondary education is one of the most valuable tools that a person can have. Majoring in the Rest of Your Life and Keys to Success are both books that prepare college students for success in college and in the workforce.

Majoring in the Rest of Your Life is good for high school seniors as well since it guides students through the transition from high school to college, from living at home to being independent and from working a job to preparing for a career. Keys to Success offers study tips and provides students the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in real-life situations.

LifeBound materials and academic coaching are geared towards preparing students, parents and teachers to transition smoothly through the process of acquiring and using education in the real world. Visit www.lifebound.com or e-mail contact@lifebound.com to learn more about our books, curriculum and academic coaching.

Article:
More Employers to Require Some College, Report Says
By JACQUES STEINBERG
June 14, 2010
The number of jobs requiring at least a two-year associate’s degree will outpace the number of people qualified to fill those positions by at least three million in 2018, according to a report scheduled to be released Tuesday by the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University.
The report makes clear that some education after high school is an increasing prerequisite for entry into the middle class. In 1970, for example, nearly three-quarters of workers considered to be middle class had not gone beyond high school in their education; in 2007, that figure had dropped below 40 percent, according to the report.

To read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/15/education/15degree.html?ref=education

http://cew.georgetown.edu/

Developing emotional, social and cognitive intelligence is important to understanding and becoming a great leader according to Dr. Richard E. Boyatzis. Professor of Organizational Behavior and Psychology at Case Western Reserve University and Professor in Human Resources at EASDE in Barcelona, Dr. Boyatzis sees leadership as the ability to connect emotionally with others and inspire them. He states in a recent podcast that “Adults can improve their emotional, social and cognitive intelligence competencies—those that distinguish outstanding performance in management, leadership and other professions, by as much as 70%!”

Emotional and social intelligence is at the center of LifeBound’s mission to prepare students for college, career and life success because these skills are not only important in the world of work, but also throughout school. Students need to be able to form strong relationships with others in order to function effectively in teams, participate in study groups and join extracurricular activities. Life success requires not just book smarts, those who struggle academically, do better when challenged emotionally and socially which teaches them how to persist.

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ARTICLE:

The Hay Group posted a 4 part podcast by Dr. Richard E. Boyatzis titled, “Developing emotional, social and cognitive intelligence in graduate, undergraduate and executive students.”

To listen to all 4 podcasts visit http://www.haygroup.com/ww/Media/Details.aspx?ID=27430.

Carol’s Summary:

For the second year in a row, high school graduation rates in the US have continued to decline, according to a data in a study released by Education Week and the Editorial Projects in Education Research Center foundation.

The study, called “Diplomas Count 2010”, analyzed and compared high school graduation rates from 2006 to 2007; it was found that there were approximately 11,000 fewer high school graduates nationwide in 2007 than in 2006. The analysis counts the percentage of high school students that receive a diploma in four years.

Another aspect of the report shows a list of 21 cities’ school districts whose graduation rates are reported as unexpectedly higher than estimated to be, based on poverty and ethnicity-based statistics. Amongst the school districts mentioned were Texarkana Independent in Texas and Memphis City in Tennessee. Higher graduation rates not only affect students and their families, but are also better for the economy.

The Alliance for Excellent Education estimates that if the dropout rate were to decrease by half in 50 of the US’ largest cities, tax revenue would increase due to the increased earnings of high school graduates compared to those who drop out.

In the present-day, it is more essential than ever for students to graduate from high school and go on to college and into the professional world. Making the Most of High School is geared towards guiding high school students in academic achievement as well as real-world situations, so that students are prepared to succeed in all aspects of life. To learn more about Making the Most of High School as well as other LifeBound books and materials, visit www.lifebound.com or e-mail contact@lifebound.com.

Article:

Christian Science Monitor

Graduation rate for US high-schoolers falls for second straight year

By Stacy Teicher Khadaroo,  June 10, 2010

The national high school graduation rate has slipped in recent years, despite an array of public and private efforts to boost the percentage of students going on to college. But some districts are beating the odds, succeeding with many students who otherwise may have fallen through the cracks.

The percent of students earning a standard diploma in four years shifted from 69.2 percent in 2006 to 68.8 percent in 2007, according to an analysis of the most recent data in “Diplomas Count 2010.” It was the second consecutive year of decline, says the report, which was released Thursday by Education Week and the Editorial Projects in Education (EPE) Research Center, a nonprofit in Bethesda, Md.

To read the full article: http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Education/2010/0610/Graduation-rate-for-US-high-schoolers-falls-for-second-straight-year

Grade inflation has risen among private colleges, especially in the last decade. However, my colleagues who teach at a range of colleges from four year to community college to career schools, believe that students have come to expect that because they are paying for college they should be getting—not earning—good grades. Many professors feel that the students have the “you work for me” attitude. You can see how these behaviors, when unaddressed, create problems of expectation and work culture once these students graduate and begin work in a professional environment. Professors can most help students by emphasizing:

1) The extent to which you are challenged—even if you earn a C—is more important than taking an easy teacher where you get An “A”

2) The real-world expects you to challenge yourself in increasingly more complex ways. If you expect your boss to let you off the hook on a non-deliverable or late work, think again. This could cost you a pay increase or even your job.

3) Focus as much on the interesting experiences you can create for yourself as, in the end, these are often more important than your GPA unless you want to become a professor, a research scientist or get into medical school.

4) Ask the question: if you were a manager, would you hire yourself based on these actions?

Bottom line is that we can’t continue to coddle today’s students or we won’t have a strong, resilient, capable and forward-thinking people to solve our greatest problems in business, community, science, and world-wide issues.

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ARTICLE
Want a Higher G.P.A.? Go to a Private College
By CATHERINE RAMPELL
Over the last 50 years, college grade-point averages have risen about 0.1 points per decade, with private schools fueling the most grade inflation, a recent study finds.

The study, by Stuart Rojstaczer and Christopher Healy, uses historical data from 80 four-year colleges and universities. It finds that G.P.A.’s have risen from a national average of 2.52 in the 1950s to about 3.11 by the middle of the last decade.

http://nyti.ms/9WAXLu