The Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) and Wilmington University have launched a groundbreaking initiative: the Smart Transfer Enrollment Program (STEP Path™) for the Vocational Workforce. This program offers individuals in select registered apprenticeship programs the chance to earn up to 42 college credits towards a bachelor’s degree at Wilmington University. This is a step in the right direction that other Universities should consider to get more boys into college.
The STEP Path™ program creates a seamless pathway for Delaware apprenticeship graduates to apply their vocational training towards college credit. This opportunity is available to high school graduates just starting their apprenticeships, current apprentices, those with past apprenticeship experience, and journey persons seeking the career benefits of a college degree. The academic credits earned can also be applied to additional Wilmington University programs related to technical instruction and apprenticeships.
Higher education often leads to promotions and higher income, making it a valuable pursuit for those involved in apprenticeship programs. David Leonhardt of the New York Times highlighted the significant economic value of a four-year college degree over a high school diploma in 2014. Additionally, Enrico Moretti’s 2013 book showed that communities with higher percentages of college graduates enjoy greater average incomes, benefiting even those without a degree.
The United States lags behind other advanced nations in achieving a 50% college graduation rate among young citizens, a benchmark for future economic prosperity. College graduates not only boost their own earnings but also create four additional jobs in their communities. Recognizing this, countries like Portugal actively recruit remote workers with college degrees to enhance their economic landscapes.
The importance of encouraging boys and young men to pursue college education, especially in STEM fields, cannot be overstated. STEM workers are predominantly male, and there is a critical shortage of STEM professionals. A four-year degree in fields like computer science can lead to high-paying jobs with numerous opportunities, far outpacing the earning potential of most vocational jobs.
Despite the clear benefits, higher education institutions cannot retain boys and young men and graduate them. Of the 1.2 million students who left college in 2012, one million were male. This trend must be reversed to avoid disastrous consequences for economic prosperity and the quality of life for these individuals.
The STEP Path™ program provides a valuable solution, enabling boys and young men in apprenticeship programs to achieve higher education and realize their full potential. It’s time to prioritize college education for all, ensuring a prosperous future for individuals and communities alike.
William A. Draves is the President of Learning Resources Network (LERN). LERN is the leading association in lifelong learning programming in the world, serving over 1,000 organizations every year.