When we first met our daughter's friend, Duncan (not his real name for privacy), we would have never guessed that he was at risk of falling through the cracks of society. A smart, well-spoken, put together eighteen-year-old high school graduate that, on the surface, was clearly headed toward bigger things.
However, despite outward appearances, Duncan had no plan, resources, support, or guidance post-high school. After the big lead-up and graduation party, the following day it was clear that he was at a crossroads, uncertain of his next steps.
His circumstances were compounded by an unstable home life, his parents dealing with sporadic employment, a heavy debt burden, and plans to move to another state.
With limited prospects, a part-time job as a restaurant host was the best that Duncan could find. After moving out of his parents’ house, he was struggling to make ends meet. He lacked basic resources like transportation, financial literacy, time management skills, and the professional acumen to secure a better job. Within months, Duncan was one paycheck away from being homeless.
Our society's glorification of university education as the sole avenue to success has left many like Duncan in the lurch. This tunnel vision overlooks the diverse needs and potential pathways for young people, especially those without the means or desire to pursue a four-year degree. While high school education primarily focuses on academic achievement and the pursuit of higher education, there are a significant number of graduates who end up like Duncan—uncertain and underprepared for the next chapter.
In sitting down with us to talk about his future, Duncan expressed his disillusionment, "My parents said that college was for the rich. It was never in my future. But suddenly, I was expected to know what to do with my life. Everyone kept asking about my college or job plans, yet I had no clue, and nobody showed me how to find out."
This phenomenon, often referred to as "falling through the cracks," can lead to a host of negative outcomes, from unemployment to mental health issues. It raises important questions about how society supports its young people in their transition to independence and the role that schools, communities, and policymakers play in that process.
For an increasing number of young adults, jobs in skilled trades are becoming Plan A. With a surge in demand nationally, employers are seeking to fill tens of thousands of open positions across a broad spectrum of industries and job types including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, technology, and construction. For many, the path to gainful employment through these avenues is quicker, less costly, and aligned with their skills and interests.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs have become a beacon of hope, offering not just specialized training but also essential life skills, apprenticeships, and avenues for career exploration. It's a concerted effort by state and local agencies, school districts, community colleges, employers, and non-profits to provide direction and support to those like Duncan.
Through a public-private CTE initiative, Duncan secured a paid apprenticeship as a medical assistant while pursuing a ten-week certification program at a local community college. This opportunity has not only provided him with a stable income and a future career path but has also unveiled a passion for healthcare – a field he never imagined himself in.
“I’m surprised how much I love this job,” Duncan admits. “I would never have pictured me drawing blood, giving vaccines, working with doctors and nurses.”
The journey for Duncan, and many others like him, is far from over. Barriers still exist in securing transportation, funding the cost of materials, learning how to budget, and securing benefits. But with continued support and a renewed commitment to providing diverse paths to success, these once uncertain futures can be filled with promise and opportunity. It's not just an investment in individuals like Duncan – it's an investment in the future of our society.
At BPI, we are committed to funding partners who are filling these cracks and providing a viable and fulfilling career path to young adults before they fall. Duncan's journey is ongoing, and while it may not have started as expected, with the right support, his potential is limitless. It's our collective responsibility to ensure that potential is realized.
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