I say there should be a required “work year” between high school and college.
1. It would give a high school graduates a full year to better determine what career path they want, and add a bit of maturity when they enroll in college after having been in the “adult world.”
2. It would give them at least $20,000 to apply to tuition, which at state colleges would cover the first year.
3. The unfilled jobs at Target, Walmart, etc., would get applicants.
4. Working the lower-skilled jobs would give them an appreciation for the opportunities that will open up by picking a marketable major and graduating from college. As it stands now, 40% of matriculates do not graduate, and end up with student loan debt and no degree.
ASK ME HOW I KNOW.