EVERY STUDENT must have a real chance to reach his or her lifelong aspirations – to be competitive in tomorrow’s fast-paced and expanding global economy. Throughout America, over the past decade, there has been a growing movement among educators, national employers, and top business professionals to further focus the nation’s high school curriculum on college preparation and career development.
This February, for the first time, our state will celebrate Alabama College Application and Financial Aid Month – a new annual event developed by the Alabama Department of Education’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Section, to celebrate the importance of “lifelong student achievement.” This celebration will also highlight the importance of the “college and career readiness” concept, which focuses on creating a seamless transition between students leaving high school, entering college, and moving into the workforce.
According to current research, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that approximately 90 percent of the nation’s upcoming 21st Century careers will require employees to have postsecondary education experience. Ultimately, being college and career ready means that high school graduates have the English, science, and mathematics skills needed to succeed in postsecondary learning and the real world of work.
To celebrate Alabama College Application and Financial Aid Month, special activities, official resolution and proclamation ceremonies, and other events have been planned statewide. Attending college today means much more than just pursuing a traditional four- year degree. Being college-ready means students are prepared for the entire postsecondary experience – ready to earn all types of postsecondary credentials, including associates’ and bachelor’s degrees, professional licenses, special certificates, and, ultimately, a master’s and doctoral degrees.
Reprinted from Alabama Education News, Vol. 34. No. 4. January/February 2011. for more information or to read back issues, check out the Alabama Department of Education at www.alsde.edu
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