After Words Kathleen deLaski, "Who Needs College Anymore?"
Aug 31, 2025
Kathleen deLaski, founder of Education Design Lab and author of 'Who Needs College Anymore?', advocates for transforming higher education. She discusses the urgent need for change amidst soaring costs and low graduation rates. DeLaski highlights alternative pathways like bootcamps and apprenticeships as viable options. The conversation touches on the rise of AI in education, the evolving job market, and how community colleges are adapting to meet diverse needs. She calls for a reevaluation of success definitions in today’s workforce.
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Personal Radicalization Sparked The Lab
- Kathleen deLaski describes being "radicalized" by her children's stressful college admissions experience that motivated her work.
- That personal failure prompted her to found the Education Design Lab to create alternative, shorter pathways.
College Is Valuable But Not Always Required
- DeLaski is pro-college but argues many roles no longer require a four-year degree to reach middle-career success.
- She highlights boot camps and short credentials as viable routes that can substitute for degrees in many fields.
College For All Has Lost Momentum
- The 'College for All' narrative has receded since the Great Recession and rising student debt became visible.
- Families and high schools are increasingly embracing and promoting alternative pathways like micro-credentials and apprenticeships.
