Irving Oil’s Post

Check out this blog post written by me and Sydney Randall!

Great opportunities

Over the past few months, I’ve been sharing updates about our strategy to expand Rivet School's reach to 800 students by 2027. But why 800? Reaching more students, in and of itself, is a worthy reason to scale. Yet, we see our growth as a means to a larger end — enabling our organization to have indirect impact at the systems-level. If we achieve our goals, Rivet School will have enrolled as many students in SNHU’s degree programs as as a small private BA-granting university (like Wesleyan College, Hanover College, or Harvey Mudd, who each enroll less than 1,000 undergraduates per year). Along the way, we’ll champion policies and pedagogies that center students and prioritize career outcomes: 1) Designing more competency-based degree programs, 2) Implementing practices and policies that support working adult students, and 3) Integrating employer partnerships and career planning into the academic experience, with a focus on ROI for graduates. At the end of the day, Rivet School will never be as large and influential as our traditional institutions. But I know we can contribute something significant to the broader field as more and more people ask the question, “what’s the point of a college degree?” It’s a fair question. At Rivet School, we have a great answer. While I have your attention on higher education reform, let me point you to some of the leaders in this space. Check out the great work of Jamie Fasteau's team at Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice (CHEPP), Su Jin Jez at California Competes, and Charla Long at Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN).

I have been augmenting as adjunct for Vickie Bell for the past year, focusing on growth of the Jacksonville University's Respiratory Therapy program. This new opportunity to earn your Bachelor's degree as a RRT is a critical capability for the NE Florida region - outstanding job, Vickie Bell! The most recent facts related to the Respiratory Therapy clinical specialization: The demand for Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) is projected to grow significantly over the next five years, driven by factors such as: Aging Population: As the population ages, the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma increases, leading to a greater need for respiratory care. Advances in Medical Technology: New therapies and technologies are allowing patients with severe respiratory conditions to live longer, requiring ongoing respiratory support. Increased Awareness of Respiratory Health: Greater public awareness of respiratory health issues is leading to increased demand for preventative care and treatment. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13% growth in employment for RRTs from 2022 to 2032, some sources suggest even higher demand, particularly in certain regions or specialties. Salary Increases: Salary increases for RRTs are expected to vary based on location, experience, and specialization. However, given the high demand and critical role of RRTs in patient care, salaries are likely to see a steady increase over the next five years. Some factors that could influence salary increases include: Competition among Employers: Hospitals and healthcare facilities may offer higher salaries and benefits to attract and retain qualified RRTs. Negotiation and Advocacy: Professional organizations and unions representing RRTs can advocate for higher wages and better working conditions. Regional Variations: Salaries may be higher in areas with a higher cost of living or a greater shortage of RRTs. Overall Outlook: The outlook for RRTs over the next five years is very positive. The demand for their skills is high, and salaries are expected to increase steadily. However, it's important to note that the field can be demanding and requires ongoing education and training to stay current with advances in respiratory care. Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://lnkd.in/evZNe3ga Q&A: Respiratory therapist among top in-demand health care jobs for 2024: https://lnkd.in/ek-cnus3

Canton High School has been recognized as an AP Honor Roll School! The College Board has recognized Canton High School as an Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Roll School. AP courses offer high school students high-level classes that can qualify them for college credit or advanced placement once they begin college. CHS was recognized with a Bronze Level Award as well as an Access Award. To earn the Bronze Award, at least 40 percent of the school’s graduating class must have taken at least one AP exam during high school with at least 25 percent scoring a three or higher on at least one of those exams. In addition, at least 2 percent of the graduating class must have taken five or more exams, and one of those had to have been taken while they were freshman or sophomores. According to the College Board, this is to ensure that the AP experience is being spread across their high school career, rather than making students feel a disproportionate amount of pressure in any school year. #CantonBulldogs

We believe that building stronger, smoother, accelerated pathways between K-12 education, postsecondary education, and careers is not only necessary to grow our economy, but also to address inequality in our communities. Our work leading the #AccelerateED community is central to this mission. We wanted to know, what would it take for every high school student to have the opportunity to earn college credits without the financial burden? To complete an associate degree one year after high school? To gain valuable experience and career preparation in a field of interest during high school? And while we are excited to tell you all about this work, instead we think it’s better to hear directly from the students who are most impacted by it. Up first in our new student voice video series, meet Qamar Ayyoubi, a rising senior at Kettering Fairmont High School in Ohio and nursing pathway student, is earning college credits in high school toward a degree and high-demand career in healthcare: https://lnkd.in/g8wRcZZS

I sat down with the FDU Florham Student Government Association earlier this year. An enjoyable experience, as always! As universities, we often talk about improving the "student experience." But what does that really mean? Students have real, tangible, and practical ideas that can make a difference. You just need to give them a platform to share them with you without fear. We can have great programs and fantastic faculty, but... is that all there is to a great university or college experience? What about the little things? The day-to-day things that can make or break a student's time on campus? I left that meeting feeling challenged and so inspired. Higher education is more than classes and grades; it's about growth, preparation for the future, and building a foundation for success. What do you think makes for an amazing university experience? What did you wish you had in college that would have set you up better for your career?

As more people question the value of higher education, I believe those of us who have experienced the transformative impact of a college degree, and those of us who are working to advance and sustain the opportunities provided by a higher education need to continue to explain why it matters more than ever. A William & Mary education, in particular, can change forever the trajectory of a family, a nation, and the world. Here are some reflections I shared with our Tribe on how we are building a better tomorrow at the Alma Mater of the Nation. https://lnkd.in/esexYSUv

Milford High School's first OneGoal cohort enrolled in postsecondary institutions at a 75% rate, considerably higher than the school’s typical rate. 📈 Learn other ways that OneGoal has supported Milford HS and improved their students’ college and career readiness, including hosting a student summit; professional development for staff, and a structured curriculum in our case study: https://lnkd.in/eenndR-4

Colorado Promise will cover two years of tuition or up to 65 credits at any public college for students with a household income of under $90,000 thanks to a bill signed last week by Colorado governor Jared Polis * Covers two year or 65 credits at any public institution: trade school, community college, or a four-year college * For students in good academic standing with a household income <$90k * Expands on current programs offered by institutions themselves, which usually cover a year of credits for those with an income under $60-70k * Based on tax credits, not subsidies What makes this program unique is its support of all pathways, rather than only limiting to community college options or workforce pathways with high industry demand. Colorado Community College System Apprenticeship Colorado DSST Public Schools Inside Higher Ed https://lnkd.in/gCxbgkPP