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Freakonomics Radio

What Is the Future of College — and Does It Have Room for Men? (Update)

Aug 29, 2024
D'Wayne Edwards, founder of Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design and a leading shoe designer, discusses the alarming drop in college enrollment for men, particularly among Black and Hispanic males. He highlights the unique challenges in current education models and the importance of tailored programs to meet industry needs. The conversation delves into the legacy of the Lewis College, gender disparities in education, and the need for innovative approaches to support aspiring designers and reshape higher education for the future.
49:17

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • College enrollment has declined sharply, particularly among men, raising concerns for future workforce demographics and higher education's viability.
  • Innovative educational models, like vocational training and partnerships, are emerging as viable alternatives to traditional college pathways for students.

Deep dives

Trends in College Enrollment

Men are enrolling in colleges at significantly lower rates than women, a trend that has worsened over the years. This disparity is particularly evident in the shrinking number of male students across various institutions, which has contributed to a broader decline in college enrollment overall. The podcast highlights that U.S. colleges and universities have lost approximately 1.5 million students in recent years, with a majority of this loss attributed to male students. This shift raises concerns regarding future workforce demographics and the implications for higher education and society at large.

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