In a recent PBS NewsHour video, the troubling trend of declining college enrollment among young men in America is examined in depth. The video features insights from a variety of experts and students, shedding light on why fewer young men are choosing to pursue college degrees and the broader implications of this shift. Let’s explore what they had to say.
A Growing Trend
Yordi Velasquez, a high school student from Brentwood, New York, exemplifies this trend. Despite his academic potential, Velasquez decided against immediately pursuing a college education. Raised by a single mother who also cares for his disabled brother, Velasquez plans to become a certified HVAC technician instead. His reasons are practical: uncertainty about what he wants to study, financial concerns, and skepticism about job prospects in his field of interest. Velasquez’s situation is not unique; a Pew Research study found that there are about one million fewer young men enrolled in college now compared to 2011.
Understanding the Gender Gap
Richard Reeves, author of “Of Boys and Men,” points out that this decline is part of a larger, long-term trend. Since 1996, women have entered college at higher rates than men, a gap that has continued to widen. Reeves highlights that boys are consistently outperformed by girls throughout their education, from kindergarten through high school. He notes that in high school, two-thirds of the top 10% of students by GPA are girls, which significantly influences college enrollment rates.
The Impact on Men of Color
The gap is particularly stark for young men of color. According to the video, there are 50,000 fewer Black men enrolled in college now compared to pre-pandemic levels. Roderick Carey, an assistant professor at the University of Delaware, studies the educational experiences of Black and Latino boys. He explains that these young men often face societal stereotypes that undermine their academic potential and create barriers to educational success long before they reach college age.
Institutional Responses
Jonathan Koppel, president of Montclair State University, discusses how his institution is addressing the issue head-on. Montclair State has launched initiatives like the Male Enrollment and Graduation Alliance to recruit and retain more male students. Koppel emphasizes that this effort is not about prioritizing male students over female students but about understanding and addressing the differential graduation rates when sorted by gender and race.
Providing Support and Encouragement
Danny Jean, Montclair State’s assistant provost for special programs, has been instrumental in these efforts. He believes that helping young men understand the benefits of college and providing clear pathways beyond high school are crucial. Beyond academic support, social and emotional support systems are also essential.
Supportive Community
Ikena Onyegbule and Nyron Mitchell, Montclair State students, lead a student organization called “The Brotherhood,” which provides a supportive community for men on campus. They stress the importance of men supporting each other and breaking down the stigma around expressing emotions and vulnerabilities.
Benefits of a Degree
Koppel notes that while not everyone needs a four-year degree, data shows that having one generally leads to better income, health, happiness, and life satisfaction. Therefore, the decline in college enrollment among young men could have significant long-term consequences for them and for society as a whole.
Systemic Changes Needed
The PBS NewsHour segment provides a comprehensive look at the factors contributing to the decline in college enrollment among young men. Financial concerns, societal stereotypes, and a lack of clear academic pathways all play a role. Institutions like Montclair State University are working to address these issues, but broader systemic changes are needed to reverse the trend.
Societal Issue
I believe that this decline is more than just a statistic; it’s a societal issue that requires attention. As we rethink college and its role in preparing young people for the future, we must ensure that all students, regardless of gender or background, have the support and opportunities they need to succeed. The stories and insights shared in the video highlight the urgency of this issue and the importance of finding effective solutions.
The Role of Stereotypes
What do you think? What are the long-term societal impacts if the trend of declining college enrollment among young men continues? How can educational institutions better support young men, particularly those from underrepresented groups, in pursuing higher education? What role do societal stereotypes and expectations play in shaping the educational choices of young men?
For an in-depth look, view the complete video on PBS NewsHour’s YouTube channel here.
