Guided Response Review: At Least Two Classmates' Posts

Guided Responsereview At Least Two Of Your Classmates Posts And Resp

Review at least two of your classmates’ posts and respond by asking each of them a question regarding college student opportunities, positive influences, public works projects, and other ways of funding their college education. Anthony Patrick summarizes the changes in the price of going to college from 1920 to 1945, considering student employment opportunities and the positive influences of relief work programs such as public works projects during that time. He discusses how colleges and universities benefited from these programs and questions whether similar public works projects could work today, offering his perspectives on current options students have for paying for college and how college education could be funded.

Amanda Baker summarizes the changes in college costs from 1920 to 1945, noting that during this period, the cost of higher education was prohibitively high and primarily borne by students due to a lack of structured financial aid. She explains how relief work programs offered a means for students to attend college by earning their tuition through work, which contributed to the development of systems that support students today. She expresses her personal experience with student loans and advocates for more programs that reduce debt, such as scholarships, grants, or work-and-study models, emphasizing the need for systemic improvements to make college more affordable and accessible.

Paper For Above instruction

The evolution of college funding and affordability from 1920 to the present day reflects significant shifts influenced by economic, social, and policy changes. During the early 20th century, higher education was largely accessible only to the wealthy, with the costs primarily borne out of pocket by students or their families. However, the introduction of relief work programs, especially during the Great Depression, played a pivotal role in expanding access to higher education. Public works projects, such as those funded under the New Deal, provided employment opportunities that enabled students to finance their education while contributing to societal development. Notably, programs like the G.I. Bill following World War II greatly expanded access to higher education for returning veterans, leading to increased graduation rates and a broadening of the college student demographic (Schrag, 2010).

Historically, the expenses associated with college attendance have fluctuated, but overall, the cost relative to income has increased substantially over the decades. In the 1920s and 1930s, college costs, although high for most, were often manageable through work opportunities and community support. During this period, relief work programs empowered students to participate in labor that supported their education costs; these efforts also benefited colleges and universities by increasing enrollment and fostering community engagement (Baker, 2020). Such programs not only alleviated financial barriers but also instilled a sense of civic duty among students, reinforcing the societal value of higher education.

Today, the landscape of college funding has transformed considerably. While federal and state governments offer a range of financial aid options—such as loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs—the burden of college debt remains a significant concern. According to the Federal Reserve (2022), student loan debt in the United States has surpassed $1.7 trillion, reflecting the heavy reliance on borrowing. Meanwhile, grants and scholarships help mitigate costs, but their availability is often limited, and competition for such aid is fierce (College Board, 2021). Personal experience underscores the challenge of student debt; many graduates face decades of repayment, which can hinder their financial stability and life choices.

In contemplating alternative models, the potential for public works projects aimed specifically at supporting higher education remains a possibility worth exploring. During the New Deal era, infrastructure projects and communal efforts significantly bolstered the economy and provided employment, including opportunities for students (Greenberg, 2020). Today, similar initiatives could include public service projects linked to education—such as paid internships, service-learning programs, or government-subsidized work programs that directly contribute to educational costs. Such approaches could democratize access to higher education, reduce reliance on loans, and foster civic engagement among students.

Furthermore, innovative funding approaches are emerging. Income-share agreements (ISAs), where students agree to pay a fixed percentage of their income after graduation for a set period, are gaining popularity (Shapiro, 2021). These models align repayment with earnings, potentially alleviating immediate financial burden and incentivizing successful career outcomes. Additionally, expanding federal and state investments in community colleges and vocational training can provide affordable pathways to careers without the high costs associated with four-year universities (Carnevale & Strohl, 2013).

Ultimately, creating a sustainable, equitable system of college funding requires a multifaceted approach. Policymakers must consider expanding existing financial aid, implementing innovative models like ISAs, and fostering partnerships between public institutions and private sectors. The goal should be to lower barriers to access, minimize student debt, and ensure that higher education remains a pathway for personal and societal advancement (Mitchell, 2014). A combination of targeted public works programs, increased federal investment, and entrepreneurial funding models could transform the landscape, making college more inclusive and financially feasible for future generations.

In conclusion, historical programs demonstrated the profound impact of public works initiatives in expanding access to higher education during times of economic hardship. Learning from this history, modern policymakers and educators can develop innovative, sustainable funding strategies that align with current economic realities, ultimately fostering an educated citizenry equipped to meet the challenges of the future.

References

• Carnevale, A. P., & Strohl, J. (2013). Recovery and Reconnection: Helping Community College Students Navigate the Pathways to Good Jobs. Trends in Higher Education.
• College Board. (2021). Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2021. College Board Publications.
• Greenberg, M. (2020). The New Deal and Infrastructure: Building a Better Post-Crisis America. Journal of American History, 107(2), 341-367.
• Mitchell, M. (2014). A New Path to College Affordability. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 36(6), 629–638.
• Shapiro, J. (2021). Income-Share Agreements in Higher Education: Promises and Pitfalls. Education Finance Journal, 24(2), 45–60.
• Schrag, P. (2010). The Educational Legacy of the New Deal. History of Education Quarterly, 50(3), 347-372.
• Federal Reserve. (2022). Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2021 - May 2022. Federal Reserve Board.