Opinion: Empowering our students, a vision for the future of higher education

In an op-ed, Carol Glanville, a current state Representative and candidate in Michigan State House District 84, advocates for lowering college costs and enhancing K-12 education to make higher education more accessible. 

As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, one thing remains clear: education is the key to unlocking the future. Yet, for too many students in Michigan and across the Midwest, the path to higher education is fraught with obstacles. From skyrocketing costs to the difficult transition from high school to college, the barriers can often seem insurmountable. 

As the Chair of the House Higher Education committee and your Representative, I am committed to addressing these challenges head-on and making higher education more accessible and equitable for all.

One of the most pressing issues in higher education today is the cost. The financial burden of college can deter even the most dedicated students from pursuing their dreams. This is why I strongly support initiatives like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. By simply filling out the FAFSA, most students become eligible for this scholarship, regardless of any other aid they may receive. Remarkably, 80% of students qualify for this scholarship, providing critical financial support to those who need it most.

The transition from high school to college presents another significant challenge. Many students struggle to adapt to the new academic environment, which can impact their success. To help address this, I advocate for integrated coursework in our K-12 education system. Imagine a classroom where students learn English through the lens of science, or tackle math problems while exploring historical events. This interdisciplinary approach not only enriches the learning experience, but also prepares students for the complex and interconnected nature of college studies, and 21st century careers all without extending the school day.

This brings me to my next point — competency-based education in K-12 settings is essential. This approach focuses on students’ mastery of skills and knowledge rather than the time spent in the classroom, creating a more personalized and effective educational experience. By ensuring that students are truly ready for college-level coursework, we can facilitate a smoother transition and higher success rates.

Turning now to higher education, credit transferability remains a significant issue. It is imperative that all credits, especially general education classes, are transferable between institutions. This saves students time and money, helping them stay on track to complete their degrees. The Midwest Higher Education Compact is working diligently to address this issue, advocating for seamless credit transfers and ensuring that students’ hard-earned credits are recognized across institutions.

Throughout my career as an educator, I have witnessed the transformative power of integrating technology into the learning process. Educators have long been pushing for the inclusion of computer science literacy in the curriculum, emphasizing that it is as important as reading and math literacy. In today’s digital age, computer science is an essential life skill, opening doors to countless opportunities and careers.

One of my long-term goals is to offer every student the chance to acquire these vital skills. By providing access to high-quality education technology and resources, we can bridge the gap and ensure that all students, regardless of their background and career path, are equipped for success in the 21st-century workforce.

If re-elected, I will continue to fight for these crucial changes. I believe that by reducing costs, easing transitions, ensuring credit transferability, and promoting computer science literacy, we can create a more accessible and effective educational system. Together, we can empower the next generation of students to achieve their dreams and contribute to a brighter future for our communities.

Related: 5 big takeaways from Michigan’s new education budget that every parent should know