Great article today in the NY Post by Naomi Schaefer Riley on the importance of fathers in preparing teens for college (and life): An American Enterprise Institute report last month found, “Compared to teens who reported that their fathers were not involved, teens with involved fathers were 98 percent more likely to graduate from college, and teens with very involved fathers were 105 percent more likely to graduate from college.” Why? Riley writes, "Fathers seem to do a better job fostering independence in kids. And one of the biggest challenges of succeeding in higher education is the … [Read more...] about Fathers Crucial in Preparing Teens for College
Thriving at College
Why is Christianity Losing Influence in America?
Vishal Mangalwadi, author of The Book That Made Your World: How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization, writes: The branding or perception of Christianity as a religion of faith, disconnected with truth, is tragic given that the Judeo-Christian tradition is the only reason why any medieval, modern, or postmodern person talks about “Truth” that can be stated in rational words and propositions (creeds or equations). The secular academy and science acquired the truth-brand only because Secularism is a Protestant heresy. The university exists because the Church was committed to … [Read more...] about Why is Christianity Losing Influence in America?
The Challenges of Christian Higher Education
Great cover story in World magazine about the challenges of Christian higher education, with input from schools in California, Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri. A few highlights: A 2012 study by Bain & Co. consultants examining the financial sustainability of U.S. colleges and universities found that 36 percent of CCCU schools are sustainable, 32 percent are at risk, and 32 percent are unsustainable. The four-year cost of attending a Christian college is now $100,000 (presumably for four years). Federal regulations add to cost, as do amenities. Students utilizing dual credit … [Read more...] about The Challenges of Christian Higher Education
Anya Kamenetz, DIY U, and the Future of Higher Education
There's a growing number of books on higher education reform. One that I recently found interesting and provocative is DIY U: Edupunks, Edupreneurs, and the Coming Transformation of Higher Education by Anya Kamenetz (staff writer for Fast Company who regularly publishes in a variety of places). Thankfully, Ms. Kamenetz was willing to answer a few questions for us. Do you think high schools today push four-year college onto students who should be considering other paths (associate degrees, trade schools, etc.)? And if so, what, historically, has led to this bias? It's not just high … [Read more...] about Anya Kamenetz, DIY U, and the Future of Higher Education
The Myth of Working Your Way Through College
Svati Kirsten Narula, writing for The Atlantic: "the average student in 1979 could work 182 hours (a part-time summer job) to pay for a year's tuition. In 2013, it took 991 hours (a full-time job for half the year) to accomplish the same." Read the whole thing. FYI - My new book has tips on saving for college, lowering the costs of college, and earning money during college. … [Read more...] about The Myth of Working Your Way Through College
Perman/Chediak Author Meet-Up at T4G
My friend Matt Perman and I are hosting an informal author meet-up in the lobby of The Galt House at 10:00 PM on Tuesday night (4/8) of the Together for the Gospel conference. (Note: the lobby is in the first floor of the Suit Tower.) We will have some copies of our books to give away. Stop by for a chance to win, or increase your chances of winning by e-mailing a question in advance. We’ll do our best to answer as many questions as we can at the meet-up. Matt Perman is the author of What’s Best Next and a former director of strategy at Desiring God. Here’s a nutshell description of our … [Read more...] about Perman/Chediak Author Meet-Up at T4G