Introduction
Education plays an important role in the development of society. Through their foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates take a proactive measure to dramatically improve the American public education system. Using numerous guest lectures, community appearances and a series of public service videos, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation supports community initiatives, programs, and internships that blend education with life skills.
Initial Post Instructions
Reflect upon Education: The First Step to Opportunity (video) and Finding the Way: Helping More Students to Completion (video). For your initial post, address the following:
According to Dr. Gail Mellow, President of LaGuardia Community College, "The average student is probably around 24 years old, probably has a kid at home, and is probably working."
Throughout the Gates Foundation videos, several university presidents, business executives, and college students share their perspective about earning a college degree in the 21st Century America. Reflect upon the commentary.
Compare your experience of pursuing a college degree with the comments shared in the video.
Consider the following fact: "The United States once led the world in postsecondary attainment. Today that's no longer the case.
American adults aged 55 to 64 are tied for first in the industrialized world in college degree attainment, a younger generation (ages 25-34) is tied for tenth" (OECD, 2009, Table A1.3a; Gates Foundation, 2010).
What does this mean to you as a future college graduate?
What unique challenges will you face that were not observed by preceding generations?
What strategies will be necessary to progress as a 21st Century citizen?