<p>There are many alternatives between dropping out of high school at 15 and graduating from a four year college at 23 or 25. At a time when the value of a higher education is challenged and its economic return questioned, smaller incremental steps might be better. A focus on vocational and professional education starting in high school might offer more incentives than a degree from a full fledged university. Moving up from dishwasher to cook or to chef represents a drastic improvement. The same for moving from janitor to a construction job. </p>
<p>Models such as Cristo Rey are a good start, but more could be done with the public dollars.</p>