Tech Schools … A Way Out for Thousands?

JUST SAYIN’--When I was growing up in Brooklyn it was clear that college was not for everyone. 

We were lucky to have a number of tech schools helping to keep young adults from going into poverty. 

Teaching them a skill. 

Allowing them to do what they are capable of without struggling. 

I was always told: if you have a skill, you will always eat. 

Yes, doctors, dentists, lawyers all have skills. But not everyone is meant to manage years and years of schooling, dropping themselves into student load debt until they are 40-plus. 

Electricians, auto mechanics, masons, plumbers, brick layers, painters just to name a few. 

Yes, today everyone thinks of Tech as in computers and Internet. 

How about the state and city thinking Tech … as in mechanics and brick layers … and investing in a number of  FREE tech schools. Let’s give those not meant for college a chance for a future? 

Just saying ...

(Jay Handal is the co-chair of the Neighborhood Council Budget Advocates, is a long-time community activist and writes for CityWatch.)

-cw