Postsecondary education options continue to grow

The coming changes will not only benefit future students beginning their postsecondary education, but also degree holders looking to build a more promising future. The emphasis on certification programs and trades will promote more financial stability for students’ futures — and honestly, it’s about time the education system got an upgrade.

As early as middle school, I struggled in my classes. I was an average A and B student who questioned everything. I wondered why I needed to take certain classes when I knew I could not apply them in my day-to-day life. This feeling carried through college, and even though I balanced multiple extracurriculars, part-time jobs and a full-time class schedule, I often wished I had the opportunity to explore other options.

Yes, a college degree opens opportunities, but depending on whether it’s in the humanities and arts or science, technology, engineering and math, the level of income fluctuates drastically. Our educators are struggling to make a living while data scientists are scoring six-figure jobs right out of college.

I believe many people share my sentiments. They felt out of place in college but were taught that the only route to success was obtaining a degree — simply because exposure to alternative routes didn’t exist. Just two months ago in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a $15 million budget for apprenticeship programs targeting youth. Not only are these jobs rewarding, but students will learn critical, in-demand skills, and many could be paid as they learn. The good news is that opportunities aren’t limited to the younger generation, and the government is making sure of that.

On Aug. 4, 2025, the newly elected undersecretary of education made a written statement. “I look forward to embracing alternatives to the traditional four-year degree — promoting vocational training, apprenticeships and innovative credentials that align education with the in-demand needs of today’s workforce,” Nicolas Kent said.

It’s not to say that bachelor’s degrees aren’t useful, but data shows concentrations in language, social sciences and performing arts, for example, don’t provide a generous return on investment. If more students were motivated to pursue fields like law, medicine or finance, we would see higher percentages of graduates earning a more comfortable salary.

To make a living, one must have a goal that drives them to a destination. Being in limbo often delays a career and leads to rocky finances. The mass disruption of artificial intelligence is already changing industries. Count on AI to write code, draft an essay or take an internship. I don’t believe in using it to sacrifice creativity and hard work, but companies are adapting quickly — and there’s no turning back. AI has already replaced millions of jobs, and there needs to be a pivot in the workforce to train and offer hard skills that will provide financial benefits.

To create a new, upskilled workforce, unconditioning and reeducating needs to be established in schools. Again, obtaining a college degree will not guarantee a high-paying job. On the contrary, connections and skills will take people further than academic accolades on a resume.

When I look back on my 12-year-old self who longed to be a hairdresser, I remember being inspired by my godmother. At the time, she was training at Marinello, a beauty school, and would practice on my hair. She inspired me growing up, but I told myself, “Hairdressers don’t make enough money.” That narrative turned me away from pursuing the passion — but I wish I knew then what I know now.

Luckily, pursuing education ends only on your terms. Whether you’re a teenager or a current professional thinking about expanding your horizons, there is space for you to upskill and take control of your future. There’s truly no better time than now.

Giselle Espinoza writes about health, mental well-being, higher education and entrepreneurship. She brings a Gen Z perspective with a slight coffee addiction.