“What is firmly set up can’t be pulled down; what is firmly embraced cannot slip free. And your sons and grandsons, as a result, will sacrifice without end.” ~Lao Tzu

We, as Americans, are falling behind.

When I read the news, I often heard the wails and moans over the education system as it exists in this nation. And, would it be an unfair perception to state that neither side is very happy with education as it stands? How often do we hear about engineering jobs leaving for China; doctors educated not here in the United States, but in far-off nations such as India. While other nations prepare their children for the future, we fumble over the debate of “how to fix it”. One side argues for what could possibly contribute to a laissez-faire culture in the 21st Century with the argument that public education should be abolished; there is also the argument that the education system has become something akin to flushing money down the metaphorical toilet in terms of tax dollars. The other side argues about the need to compete with these rising nations by finding ways to get more young Americans into college so that our nation will be on equal footing with other countries which will be our direct competitors in the not-so-distant future.

So, what are some solutions to these problems? What can be done for a more cultured society with a more citizens who are competing for the engineering, scientific and other careers in a global society where education is the key? Furthermore, what can be offered to encourage a more responsible citizenship in the future that appreciates some of the simpler ideals that this nation has always held dear, such as free-thinking individuality, responsibility, and furthermore, activity towards the welfare of our nation?

Do policies exist which could feasibly address all of this? Furthermore, what of the cost? Economics is always a consideration when discussing an actual policy.

Granted: I do not have all of the answers that vex parents and students when it comes to the Education system. Furthermore, I did not write this with the intention of arguing for a change to mandatory K-12 schooling. So much has already been done which has offered some rather bitter discourse for all parties that are involved in that ongoing debate. Furthermore, this argument does not truly offer discourse towards issues of higher education, which is where our nation is falling behind.

Please note that some of these ideas are radical, and under closer scrutiny will offer challenges, even radical ones in terms of how we review the workforce of this nation, and responsibilities for the caretaking of our nation.

First: The problems. College education is becoming more expensive. Statistics have shown a steady rise in the cost of tuition for students, and this has led many to dismiss the idea of going to college. Compounding the problem is the reality that for those who do choose to go to college, many assume financial loans which put these graduates in heavy debt even before they land their first job in a chosen field career. All of this has led to a decline towards young citizens who attend college. The last statistic that was floated was an approximation of only 58 percent of young people are now planning on attending college.

We, as a nation, need to do better.

Now: A solution. I have long been under the impression that the majority of the citizens in this country do not participate in the process of government. This in turn has led to an apathetic people who are often taken advantage of out of our own spite, apathy, and ignorance. A common argument by “We the People” is that the leaders of our government do not respect our individual liberties or intellectual properties. But, is it a fair argument to state that to a large degree, “We the People” have not displayed enough care and attention to the complex issues of this nation that would imply that respect is deserved?

It is time to usher in the Age of the Volunteer.

What the Age of the Volunteer is in its context is a drastic re-evaluation of how we send young people to college. Furthermore, it is also an opportunity for all young people who are so inclined to serve in the public sector which often teaches leadership, discipline, and teamwork towards problem-solving which serve individuals well later in life. It also addresses government expenditure towards a federal workforce and assignment of tasks within this workforce.

The metric of this proposal is an end to federal grants and financial loans for the purposes of attending college. In exchange, a volunteer program towards all sectors that are available in government will be offered in exchange for a 4-year college degree at a state or online university. For those who wish to assume loans for college, there is the private commercial banking system, foundations and societies which grant college scholarships or outright payment if a family is financially able to provide their child this education. The premise is a “year for year” exchange with a 2-year minimum to a maximum of 4 years rewarded for college tuition in exchange for service in the public sector.

For those who have served in the military, this sounds suspiciously like an ROTC program. Well, you’re right. It is based on that program. But, some other metrics should apply in terms of stipends, wages, and benefits based on the level of difficulty and where this assignment might take someone. But, before I go further into this, I would argue that this was written with the notion that not every person out there is “wired” for service in the United States military. But, that shouldn’t exclude someone from service which will benefit them later in life.

Upon exiting high school, the volunteer program would offer young people the following choices in terms of service in exchange for college:

The Peace Corps
The National Forest Service
FEMA
The Border Patrol
The Red Cross

Other organizations that serve the national interests should be considered. What this would serve in each context is a wide, able-bodied workforce working for lower wages dealing with many tasks that are required for safety and health of our nation. One could also assume that when each young person is trained under each organization, the missions of those organizations would also expand in their context. The Peace Corps could have a special unit which is trained specifically for the task of reconstruction and even peacekeeping in a war-torn hazard area in a foreign country in addition to their existing missions. The Forest Service would be a large force that could be deployed in the event of a wildfire that threatens thousands of homes. FEMA and Red Cross personnel would be available to address national disasters. And when these types of services are not required, each would work within the confines of the organization completing the day-to-day tasks that are required. And, with these able-bodied citizens in place, there is also the argument that the existing federal workforce could be reduced, thus cutting costs to the taxpayer in the exchange who do not have to pay the expanded wages of some long-term federal employees. Now, one could argue that the military often performs many of these duties. To that degree, I offer no argument except that one must really look at the military and its mission. The military is a blunt tool in which to address an issue. Our United States military is arguably the greatest military in the past two centuries, but do the issues of our nation and other nations across the world always require a metaphorical hammer to fix the problem?

Even if someone didn’t immediately go to college after serving as a volunteer, skills would still be acquired that could be applied towards an honorable profession in the United States workforce. In addition, I have long been under the impression that public service benefits people later in life. The downside to this argument is that some people might have to put off college for a few years while performing services that the voluntary program would require. But, it should be considered that such ventures will help shape perceptions of citizens who are more aware and concerned about the world around them.

John F. Kennedy once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” Isn’t it about time we answered Kennedy’s call in earnest yet again?

Comments are welcome,
S