Moving “OR” toward “AND”: Breaking Down the False Dichotomy of College or Career

As many across the U.S. continue to question the value of a college degree, a false dichotomy has emerged: a student has to choose between college or career as their next step after high school. A recent study showed that 56% of Gen Z teens believe a skills-based education makes sense in today’s world. Yet, completing a college degree still remains one of the best predictors of socioeconomic mobility. As an educational system, we have to move towards a “both/and” structure - what if students could do both – earn career credentials AND simultaneously earn a college degree. Join this discussion as our panel unpacks the false dichotomy, and share creative yet actionable ways to integrate college and career pathways.