Only 52.8 percent of Tennessee high schoolers enrolled in college after they graduated in 2021, says a new report from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Latinos were the least likely to enroll.

For those who do want to go to college, there are several barriers preventing them from doing so—including a lack of counseling support, having to help with family finances, not being prepared for higher education in high school, and the high cost of getting a degree.

How can community colleges better plan for the future (or, better yet, futures)? Developing a futures mindset is a good start. 

Parminder K. Jassal, founder/CEO of Unmudl Skills-to-Jobs Marketplace, describes the how and why of developing a futures mindset, plus some signals that have the potential to disrupt higher education. 

Like millions of people who borrowed for their education, Ryan Tucholski is eagerly awaiting to hear how the Biden administration will address the country’s collective $1.7 trillion outstanding student loan balance.

The White House’s decision will determine the shape of the future for tens of millions of Americans. Research shows student debt can make it more challenging for borrowers to start businesses, save for retirement, pursue education and training, have children, and become homeowners.