Podcast Summary
Future of US colleges: The future of US colleges is uncertain with declining enrollment and increasing costs, but HBCUs continue to provide opportunities for underrepresented communities, and exploring alternatives to traditional college models may be necessary.
The future of college in the US is uncertain, with declining enrollment and increasing costs presenting significant challenges. The story of the Lewis College of Business in Detroit serves as a reminder of the historical importance of HBCUs in providing opportunities for underrepresented communities, but also highlights the struggles faced by smaller institutions as they struggle to remain viable. The gender enrollment gap in higher education persists, with men attending college at significantly lower rates than women. The podcast explores possible solutions, including borrowing ideas from vocational schools and rethinking the traditional college model. Ultimately, the future of higher education may involve a shift towards more affordable and accessible alternatives to traditional four-year degrees.
Gender dynamics of higher education: The shift towards more women in higher education has positive and negative consequences, with potential benefits for women in terms of labor market opportunities and overall net benefits, but concerns about societal issues and the 'feminization of academia' due to decreasing male enrollment.
The gender dynamics of higher education have significantly shifted in recent decades, with nearly 60% of all college students today being women. This trend, which was predicted by economist Morty Shapiro decades ago, can be attributed to changes in labor markets and female labor force participation rates. While the increase in female students can be seen as a positive, the decrease in male enrollment raises concerns about potential negative consequences, such as the "feminization of academia" and potential societal issues like "deaths of despair." Economist Amalia Miller suggests that the net benefits of college may be greater for women due to the types of jobs they are more likely to hold without a degree, but her research also indicates that college may produce bigger benefits for women than men, particularly for those who attend more selective schools and are more likely to join the labor force.
Gender gap in education and earnings: Attending a more selective college can lead to higher earnings for women, but may negatively impact marriage and family formation. Cultural attitudes towards gender roles and student behavior contribute to the gap. Innovation and accessibility are key to addressing this issue, with organizations like the Eagle Academy Foundation leading the way.
Attending a more selective college can lead to higher earnings for women, but it may come at the expense of marriage and family formation. Additionally, cultural attitudes towards good student behavior and gender roles may contribute to the gender gap in education starting as early as K-12. The lack of success in educating boys during this time could lead to fewer male college students. The elimination of affirmative action in college admissions in some states has also disproportionately affected lower-income white men. Innovation and finding ways to make education more accessible and affordable could help address this issue. The Eagle Academy Foundation, which focuses on educating and empowering young men of color, is an example of an organization working to create safe and authentic learning environments for boys.
College affordability: College affordability is a major concern for underrepresented students, complicated by rising education costs and the perception that college debt may not outweigh benefits. Pandemic intensified concerns, questioning effectiveness of online education. Innovative solutions needed for quality, affordable education.
The affordability of college is a significant concern for many students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. This issue is further complicated by the rising cost of education and the perception that the benefits of a college degree may not outweigh the financial burden. The pandemic has only intensified these concerns, as students weigh the potential debt against earning potential. While online education was once seen as a solution to make higher education more accessible and affordable, its effectiveness has been called into question. The future of education lies in finding innovative ways to offer quality education at a lower cost, whether through modern credentials and certifications or alternative educational models.
In-person learning advantages: Students who attend classes in person tend to perform better academically, complete follow-up coursework, and graduate at higher rates compared to online learning.
While online schooling may have its benefits, in-person attendance in colleges and universities still holds significant advantages. Students who attend classes in person tend to perform better academically, complete follow-up coursework, and graduate at higher rates. Additionally, the desire for a personal college experience is revealed by the fact that some institutions, like Princeton, have fully returned to in-person learning, while others, like those in Midtown Manhattan, are still partly remote. However, challenges such as rising tuition costs, inconsistent grants, and administrative bloat need to be addressed to make higher education more accessible and affordable for all. Furthermore, ensuring a safe space for intellectual freedom and open dialogue is crucial for attracting and retaining students, especially those who may feel unwelcome in current campus environments.
Mentorship and industry connections: Mentorship and industry connections can significantly impact a student's life, especially for those from underprivileged backgrounds. Creating partnerships between schools, students, and industries can provide valuable professional skills and opportunities, ultimately benefiting both the students and the industry.
Mentorship and industry connections can change the trajectory of a student's life, especially for those from underprivileged backgrounds. Edwards, a top shoe designer, shares his story of how he overcame adversity and discouragement to become a successful designer, inspiring and mentoring the next generation. He realized the importance of reconnecting the relationship between schools, students, and industries, leading him to create the Pencil Footwear Design Academy. The academy, funded by industry partners, focuses on teaching professionalism and skills to prepare students for the workforce, ultimately benefiting both the students and the industry.
HBCU reopening: Dwayne Edwards reopened the historically black Lewis College of Business and Design in Detroit, creating customized programs for African-American design graduates, leading to internships and jobs, and shifting education towards a more corporate, ROI-focused structure.
Dwayne Edwards, with the help of Michigan politicians, has reopened the historically black Lewis College of Business and Design in Detroit, marking the first time an HBCU has been reopened in the United States. Edwards aims to raise the number of African-American design graduates, currently at around 1%, by creating customized programs in partnership with brands. Unlike traditional college programs, these programs lead to internships and jobs for students. Edwards sees education shifting towards a more corporate, ROI-focused structure, and the Lewis College is an example of this trend. The college's Footlocker Footwear Creation Studio, which mimics a corporate design office, is already producing graduates who have gone on to work for companies like Nike, Adidas, and Carhartt. The goal is to provide concrete, career-oriented education, and the college is growing, with classes expanding from two weeks to potentially two years.