Why Higher Education?

Why should high school students pursue higher education? What are the benefits that high school students could potentially gain by continuing their education after high school? Are the benefits only economic, or are there other benefits as well? Below are some potential benefits for someone who chooses to pursue higher education.

Economics/Finances - Individuals with a higher education are more likely to:

Earn more money than those with only a high school diploma or GED.
Have access to health & life insurance via their employment or afford a plan of their own.
Be afforded opportunities for growth in their professional field, including promotions and job offers.

Personal Health - The ability for an individual to take care of their emotional, spiritual, economical wellness, and other areas related to their well-being:

Having a stable income and employment can produce a sense of financial security. The contrary may be stressful which can lead to long-term health issues.
According to the College Board, those with a higher education degree tend to make healthier choices that have a positive, long-term effect on their lives.

Personal Development -Individuals have the ability to determine their own growth so that they may gain and refine their skills:

Through individual assignments, a person may develop analytical and problem-solving skills as well as experience with time management.
Via team projects, a person may develop teamwork and leadership skills, and interpersonal effectiveness.
As a student, one could learn how to process different types of information. Students take a host of classes as part of their degree plan, which vary in topic and delivery method. This exposes them to many ideas and information, which they have to decide how to interpret and grasp.
Another skill one can improve as a student is communication. As students prepare presentations, write essays, do homework, explain their points of view and ask questions, they develop oral and written communication skills.
College provides many opportunities to help one grow as a person, and those experiences will not only come from time at school. For instance, a student living on their own may have to learn how to budget, go grocery shopping, cook, clean, and do other tasks. Those skills are also valuable.

Relationships - Developing new connections:

Whether we attend classes online or in person, we will meet new people. Many friendships begin in college through classes, clubs, and social events.
Connecting with faculty and other students is not only helpful while in college, but beyond college in your professional life.

Higher education does not always mean a research university; it also includes trade schools, community colleges, tribal colleges, and others. Below is a brief description of the different types of schools.

Vocational schools:
Programs at these institutions may be one or two years long. At trade schools, students focus on a certain trade or vocation in which they earn a diploma, certificate, or license to practice. If you are interested in welding, construction, solar energy, and many more opportunities, going to a vocational school may be an option for you. You have the potential to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Construction, an Associate of Applied Science in Welding Technology, an Associate in Engineering, a certificate in Electrical trades and so on. Below is a link to the IRD webpage on internships and information from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.

Community colleges:
Community colleges are usually two-year institutions where students have the opportunity to earn an Associate, Associate of Applied Science or Certificate of Achievement in programs such programs as Nursing, Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, and Business. High school students may also enroll and take dual-credit courses at community colleges to get a head start on their higher education. Going to a community college to take general education courses can perhaps be more affordable and less stressful to some than taking them at a four-year institution.

Four-Year Colleges and Universities:
Colleges and universities may be public or private. Each may offer bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorate degrees, and online degree programs. When it comes to academics, there are chances to do undergraduate and graduate research relating to that student’s degree program. In addition, colleges and universities offer different services to students such as various campus dormitory options, meal plans, clubs, organizations, and athletics.

Online options:
If you are someone who does not want to live on campus in a dorm or be far from home, colleges and universities offer online degrees and programs. Virtual learning could be an option for people who need to have more flexibility with their schedule. For instance, individuals who have families of their own, or have a job, may find online degree programs as a more viable option.

IRD offers information for high school students and college students in New Mexico in the fields of agriculture, natural resources, engineering, business, and clean energy. Students can access this information to support their education as they take the necessary steps in achieving their higher education goals. Listed below are a few links from the IRD website that students may use to aid their planning.

The Focus 2 Self-Assessment from the American Indian College Fund is a free program that students can register for and take tests that focus on their “personality, interests, values, and skills” to help students determine what their interests may be and the different degrees programs and careers they can potentially go into based on the results from the test! Click here to take the assessment.

IRD also has a list of camps and programs offered by different NM entities throughout the state that provide opportunities for students to explore different careers and the steps they can take towards their goals.