Join Ryan Craig, Managing Director at Achieve Partners and author of 'Apprentice Nation', alongside Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance. They dive into whether traditional college still holds value in today's economy and the potential of skills-based alternatives. Key discussions include the gap between college curriculums and job market demands, the need for institutional reforms, and the growing importance of adaptability and social skills. They even tackle the idea of apprenticeships versus conventional degrees with a touch of humor.
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insights INSIGHT
College's Societal Value
College delivers value beyond individual economic returns, benefiting society through education, research, and civic engagement.
Investment in higher education yields four times the economic return, contributing to longer life and increased civic participation.
insights INSIGHT
College ROI Is Failing Most
Nearly half of college enrollees fail to complete their degree, and over half of graduates are underemployed.
For most students as currently structured, college is not economically worth it.
insights INSIGHT
College's Broader Educational Role
College's worth is not solely economic but includes critical thinking, adaptability, and social exposure.
Higher education shapes societal values and personal growth beyond workforce preparation.
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In "Apprentice Nation," Ryan Craig makes a compelling case for apprenticeships as a viable and effective alternative to traditional higher education. He argues that the "earn and learn" model offers a stronger and fairer pathway to economic opportunity, particularly for those who may not be well-served by traditional college degrees. Craig explores the successful apprenticeship models in other countries and proposes strategies for scaling apprenticeships in the United States. He emphasizes the importance of employer engagement and the need for innovative intermediaries to bridge the gap between education and employment. The book offers a practical and optimistic vision for a more equitable and effective workforce development system.
Today’s disagreement is about college and its worth-it-ness. Does the traditional college model still make sense in today’s economy? Should we embrace shorter-term skills-based alternatives? And how can institutions balance access, affordability, and workforce readiness in a rapidly changing world?
Ryan Craig is a Managing Director at Achieve Partners and co-founder of Apprenticeships for America. Ryan is also the author of Apprentice Nation: How the "Earn and Learn" Alternative to Higher Education Will Create a Stronger and Fairer America.
Dr. Bridget Burns is founding CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, a ‘multi-campus laboratory’ for student success in higher education. Previously, Dr. Burns served as an American Council on Education Fellow at Arizona State University and a Senior Policy Advisor and Chief of Staff for the Oregon University System.
Episode Notes
02:00 - Bridget's Perspective 04:15 - Ryan's Counterpoint 06:12 - Defining 'Worth It': Beyond Economic ROI 09:59 - The Role of Higher Education in Society 15:19 - The Need for Accountability and Reform 17:14 - The Apprenticeship Dilemma 21:04 - College or Chipotle 21:32 - The European Model vs. The American System 22:59 - The Need for Adaptability and Social Skills 25:05 - The Cost and Value of College Education 26:17 - The Future of College and Employment 33:28 - Steel Man
This episode was recorded live in San Diego at the annual ASU+GSV Summit. You can watch the live stream of it on YouTube.
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