Many employers are hiring college graduates if they also can show skills-based training, leading one Texas school to expand its Google Career Certificate program. South Texas College is a recent recipient of the "Innovation of the Year Award" for elevating its online Google certificate classroom. Computer-science professor Nicholas Hinojosa said the award recognizes an effort to offer students up-skilling and re-skilling with what are known as "micro-credentials." He said he believes it s helping with student success. .
Cannabis is an emerging science in which students can make new discoveries and contributions. Wayne State University in Michigan has introduced an undergraduate certificate program this fall. Andrea Matti, assistant professor of chemistry, Wayne State University, noted students are eager to participate, and schools across the country are experiencing a similar surge of enthusiasm. .
In a new poll, about a quarter of Hispanic students in post-high school education and training programs report feeling discriminated against, harassed, disrespected or unsafe. Researchers from Gallup and Lumina Foundation also found more than half of Hispanic students have considered stopping out in the past year. Courtney Brown, vice president of strategic impact and planning for Lumina Foundation, said the problem is growing. .
The focus at universities in the fall is getting students started in their new semesters. But increasingly, schools are also doing more to recognize and address the mental health challenges of staying in school. According to a Lumina Foundation study, almost 70% of students in bachelor s degree programs contemplate dropping out of college, citing the emotional stress. .