Donje Gates’ family wants him to go to college in the fall, to “break that cycle” of so many young Black men choosing other paths. But Gates is keeping his options open.

He's not alone. More men continue to bypass college today, but the declines are steepest among Black men. Some colleges like Malcolm X College in Chicago are stepping up to reverse that trend with unique mentoring programs and other race-specific initiatives.

When it comes to obtaining the right skills for good-paying, in-demand jobs, there can be many obstacles that get in the way—especially when you’re an adult of limited means already trying to provide for your family.

This Thursday, a live YouTube event marks the release of a new WorkingNation film, Glory in Overcoming, in which three single mothers tell their story of forging a path to a career in the tech industry through a Goodwill training program.

Before the pandemic, Faith Muse was a student at the Community College of Allegheny County. Then, the pandemic struck, and everything changed for Muse and countless other students. 

As fewer students show up each fall, the consequences for the college, the region, and its residents grow. The college brings in less tuition, a primary source of revenue. Residents risk losing out on significant increases in lifetime earnings if they dispense with a degree. And the region could have fewer candidates to fill crucial jobs.