Breaking the Stigma: The Importance of Community Colleges and Trade Schools
Disclaimer: Good Day, Readers. WealthBuildingPowers blog is a financial literacy/competency blog and does not provide specific investment recommendations.
From Student to Skilled Worker: How Community Colleges and Trade Schools Transform Lives
The Hidden Gems: Unlocking the Value of Community Colleges
I recently talked to my neighbor, Erica, and her daughter, Kayla, who is graduating high school in May 2023. Kayla plans to attend the local community college majoring in biology, for two years and then transfer to an IL State University to earn her four-year degree in Zoology. This plan will save Kayla and her parents ~ $50,000.00 plus another $20,000.00 in room and board.
There are several reasons why more university students are not taking advantage of community colleges and saving significant dollars:
- Lack of Awareness: Students may not be aware of the benefits of community colleges or consider community colleges a viable option for their education.
- Perception: Community colleges may have a negative perception in society, causing some to believe that attending a community college is inferior to attending a four-year university.
- Social Pressure: Students may feel pressure to attend a four-year university, even if they cannot afford it. Many students may believe attending a community college is not socially acceptable and may be seen as a sign of failure.
- Limited Transferability: While many community colleges have transfer agreements with four-year universities, not all credits may transfer. This can lead to uninformed students taking courses that do not apply to their degree, wasting time and money.
- Differences in Academic Rigor: Students may believe that community colleges do not offer the same academic rigor as four-year universities, leading them to choose a more expensive option.
Community colleges are a great way to save money on education. Let’s educate students on community colleges’ benefits and address any negative perceptions or social pressures that may prevent them from considering this great option.
The Economic Impact of Community Colleges
Community college tuition is significantly lower than traditional four-year universities. Many community colleges offer excellent programs and professors who are just as qualified as those at universities. You can transfer to a four-year institution later and save even more money by completing your general education requirements at a community college.
Another benefit of community college is the flexibility it offers. Many community colleges offer night and weekend classes, making it easier for working adults or those with other commitments to attend classes. Additionally, community colleges often have smaller class sizes, which means more one-on-one time with professors and a better chance of success.
Trying to decide on a major at 18 is tough! Many students are undecided about their future careers, and community college allows them to take various classes and discover what they are passionate about before transferring to a university.
Finally, community colleges often have strong relationships with local businesses and industries, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and potential job prospects.
Building a Brighter Future: How Trade Schools Create Opportunities
Trade schools are a popular alternative to traditional colleges, especially for those interested in building wealth through a lucrative career in a skilled trade. Here are a few reasons why:
- Lower Cost: Trade schools are significantly more affordable than four-year universities.
- Faster Time to Completion: Completed much faster than a four-year degree. Many programs take just a few months to a year to complete, allowing graduates to start earning money sooner WITHOUT THE DEBT OF COLLEGE LOANS.
- High Demand for Skilled Trades: Graduates of trade schools have multiple job opportunities.
Some of the highest-paying trades include:
| CAREER | STARTING PAY PER YEAR | AFTER 20 YEARS- THE AVERAGE PAY PER YEAR |
| Electrician | $30,000 to $50,000 | $70,000 to $90,000 |
| Plumber | $30,000 to $50,000 | $70,000 to $90,000 |
| HVAC Technician | $30,000 to $50,000 | $60,000 to $80,000 |
| Welder | $25,000 to $40,000 | $50,000 to $70,000 |
| Carpenter | $25,000 to $40,000 | $50,000 to $70,000 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $35,000 to $50,000 | $60,000 to $80,000 |
| Commercial Driver | $30,000 to $50,000 | $50,000 to $70,000 |
| Elevator Mechanic | $40,000 to $60,000 | $90,000 to $110,000 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $30,000 to $50,000 | $60,000 to $80,000 |
| Boilermaker | $40,000 to $60,000 | $90,000 to $110,000 |
Some trades require a high school diploma or equivalent, while others require completion of a trade school program or an apprenticeship. Getting experience in a trade can be done through on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and internships. Trade schools often partner with local businesses and organizations to help students gain hands-on experience in their chosen trade. It’s also possible to find entry-level positions in a trade and work your way up through the ranks. Networking with professionals in the field can be valuable for gaining experience and making connections.
WELCOME TO THE “LET’S NOT BREAK THE BANK FOR A LIFETIME” PARENTS CLUB
As a parent, we have numerous and serious responsibilities, including raising financially literate kids. Here are three objectives:
- First, you want your kids to earn more than they spend and achieve financial freedom. You do NOT want unemployed kids living in your basement, and I mean well past 30! Teach them as kids to budget, save, and invest wisely, and they’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor in no time. Add them as a subscriber to my blog! {All plugs endorsed by the author}
- Second, you MUST, and I mean MUST, look out for YOUR financial freedom. Do NOT sacrifice your retirement or take on crippling college loan debt just to put your kids through school. We all want to give our kids a great start in life, but you also want to enjoy your golden years. Trust me; your kids will thank you for it!
- You do not want little Agnes to be saddled with $155,000.00 in college, loans for a master’s degree in music. Please encourage them to explore all options for paying for school, from community college, trade schools, scholarships and grants, part-time jobs, work-study programs, etc. Every dollar they don’t borrow is one less dollar they must pay back (with interest!).
LAME EXCUSES YOUR KIDS MAY OFFER – RESISTANCE IS NOT FUTILE
- Attend an out-of-state college because Sally (whose mom is an Orthopedic Surgeon) is attending THE MOST EXPENSIVE UNIVERSITY IN THE WORLD!
- Refused to consider attending a community college for two years because: “What will Sally and her mini-Martha Stewart friends think and, heaven forbid, post on TikTok?”
- Apply to a renowned party school in Florida where they can get drunk, pregnant, and stoned.
- Some other silly, immature plan that will load them or you with tens of thousands of dollars of debt.
PARENTS, I NEED YOU TO PRACTICE SAYING MY FAVORITE WORD – NO!
I need you to be as strong as when talking to your CPA and justifying that basement renovation is for your home office! {Those reclining and vibrating theatre seats are for client meetings!}
Here are the responses I need you to practice.
- The first, NO, should be said with love and compassion: I am sorry, my favorite child, NO.
- Next, a firm NO: HELL NO,
- A take no prisoners, NO you do NOT want your mom to hear. Ensure the room is cleared of recording devices: %$%^^ NO!
- Your end of this nonsense NO: You spoiled little brat, NO: DO NOT MAKE ME END YOU – NO!
NOW PRACTICE SAYING MY FAVORITE WORD – NO. One day you will thank me!
WHAT SUBJECTS DO YOU WANT TO READ NEXT? WHAT QUESTIONS CAN WE ANSWER? UNTIL NEXT TIME!
LET’S MAKE SOME MONEY! – CRYPTOCURRENCY, ANYONE?
YOUR GREATNESS IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE; IT’S WHAT YOU GIVE! – CHARITIES I SUPPORT
St Jude Hospital: The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.https://www.stjude.org/
Wounded Warrior Project: An American charity and veterans service organization that offers a variety of programs, services and events for wounded veterans of the military https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Folds of Honor: Providing life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military. And now, our mission expands to the families of America’s first responders. On our watch, those who protect our freedoms and our families will know they are not forgotten. https://foldsofhonor.org
Wilson’s No-Kill Animal Shelter: A N0-Kill shelter that is a top-rated non-profit. They compassionately care for all their animals. https://wcnkas.org
Tunnel To Towers: Since 9/11, we have been helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. We are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001. https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout
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WHAT {DO YOU, AS A} CRITICAL THINKER, DO TO LEARN? – PART 6A – CRITICAL THINKING SERIES
WHAT DO YOU AS A CRITICAL THINKER DO TO LEARN – PART 6B – CRITICAL THINKING SERIES
WHAT HABITS DO CRITICAL THINKERS USE WHEN READING AND WRITING? PART 7A – CRITICAL THINKING SERIES
PART 7B: SUBSTANTIVE WRITING: WHAT HABITS DO CRITICAL THINKERS USE WHEN READING AND WRITING? – CRITICAL THINKING SERIES
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A FAIR-MINDED CRITICAL THINKER? – CRITICAL THINKING SERIES – PART 8
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO DEAL WITH YOUR IRRATIONAL MIND? – CRITICAL THINKING SERIES – PART NINE (9)
WHAT STAGE ARE YOU IN CRITICAL THINKING DEVELOPMENT? – FINAL CRITICAL THINKING SERIES – PART 10
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FINANCIAL LITERACY IS JUST NOT THAT COMPLICATED – TRUST ME!
https://wealthbuildingpowers.com/2019/04/01/financial-literacy-is-just-not-that-complicated-trust-me/
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ABOUT ME
I am a proud nerd (as my beautiful wife and daughter have told me) investment and finance blogger with an N.C. State, Chemical Engineering, University Rutgers, MBA and Harvard University, Advanced Management education.
I left a corporate career because I desired to make a difference as a speaker and writer. I was blessed to be coached and mentored by strong women and men in my family and professional life. It is my time to serve and give back.
DISCLAIMER
I started my first business at ~13 years of age (a small but brilliantly created plant nursery). I am a successful investor in stocks, options, real estate and am happy to share my finance and investment lessons. I am NOT a licensed financial advisor. Please do not construe my suggestions on this blog as recommendations for your situation. As an investor, you must establish your risk/loss tolerance. Investment in any asset involves risk, including complete loss.
Please seek your licensed CPA or fiduciary financial advisors for individual financial advice.
I write this weekly blog to make an impact by reaching an audience and demonstrating the need for Financial Literacy. I will help you get there.
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