My children are grown and on their own. I would not pay for University. Other than that I did not influence their decisions.

One child went to college for car technician and then to University for a business degree earning money from tech job to pay. And one got married and had kids. Not interested in a career.

My advice to a person now is only go to university for science and certification (law, medicine,etc) otherwise it's a waste of time and money. Otherwise, get a trade. If you want to get ahead in your career, work hard and do your job well. You will get ahead. Also, advance your career by taking job related courses to keep yourself current.

I think streamlining education is very important. It's so bloated and costly and of course just bent on indoctrination that reform and/or more choices are sorely needed. I think On-line learning can be helpful for some as well. My one drawback to eliminating the stronger emphasis on trades and a more pragmatic approach, is the teaching of subjects such as history, art and philosophy. I think they are still important but should be taught from multiple points of view instead of the leftists domination.

We have two trade high schools in our school district. Enrollment is always maxed out and the waiting list is extensive. Plumbing, HVAC, food services/management, auto repair, etc. are some of the areas that students can choose. If every school district offered these options, we might actually have kids opt to stay in school and graduate. Not everyone is interested in a college degree.

As a mom of a 19 and 21 year old, this has been a common topic of discussion for the last few years. My husband and I are both college educated, but don't necessarily feel that it is what it once was, nor is it necessary. Both kids are creative and not classrom oriented. The 21 year old has trained in welding and is now in the culinary arts, and the 19 year old is headed to cosmetology school this Fall after earning an associate's degree. Both are driven with excellent work ethic, enjoy their chosen fields, and will no doubt, succeed. Nevertheless there is absolutely still a stigma attached to the trades, and it bothers me immensely!

I believe the only thing kids should be pushed into is the exploration of their interests, pursuing that which excites them, and developing meaningful skills that empower them - core importance being self knowledge, perserverence, and self empowerment. That path may require university education, or it may be a career in the trades, or a trade may be a baseline for stability if their long term goals are more on the fringe. Entrepreneurship may be an authentic path for some. I graduated from university 15 years ago, and I didn't learn one thing that I couldn't have learned on my own in present day. It did, however, side track me, consequently causing me to "start over again" around age 30 - not exactly desireable.