Lebanon schools to host Career and College Readiness Day

HOW TO GO

WHAT: Career and College Readiness Day

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 29. The evening session, which is open to the public, takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The day session, which is only for Lebanon High School students, takes place from 9 to 11 a.m.

WHERE: Lebanon High School, 1916 Drake Road, Lebanon

MORE INFO: 513-934-1593 or www.lebanon.k12.oh.us

While the idea that “college isn’t for everyone” may be a controversial one, Lebanon City Schools officials strongly believe that getting a four-year degree isn’t the only path to success.

The district will host its second annual Career and College Readiness Day on October 29 at Lebanon High School. Thousands of students from Butler, Clinton, Montgomery and Warren counties are expected to attend as well as universities, community colleges and businesses.

“Not every child wants to go to a university, and that’s very OK,” said Bunny Brooks, College and Career Instructor, Lebanon City Schools. “We have more jobs in Warren County for trades than we do for college educated students. You can have a combination.”

The event is designed to let students and parents learn about vocational training programs, associate degrees offered at community colleges as well as bachelor degree programs at universities.

While attending a traditional four-year college may not be for everyone, school officials do believe some sort of post-secondary training is a good idea.

“You can go off to school and be trained to be a heavy equipment operator; you do not need a four-year degree. You can get a two-year degree and serve in the technology field or culinary arts. There’s a lot more out there than just a four-year college,” said Lebanon Superintendent Mark North.

The “Career and College Readiness Day” is part of the district’s K-12 Career and College Readiness Curriculum.

“One of our goals is that when they walk out of the classrooms and graduating, they’re employable and that’s important in today’s society. It’s always been important, we sort of lost focus as a society,” said Brooks.

But those with advanced degrees do earn more, according to a 2011 U.S. Census Bureau report. Ohioans with a high school diploma have a median salary of    $27,353 compared to $47,409 for Ohioans with a four-year degree, the report showed.

According to a recent study by the Brookings Institution, having a college degree doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll earn more. The lifetime earnings of an education or arts major working in the service sector are actually lower than the lifetime earnings of a high school graduate.