Get corporations and foundations to underwrite various programs (or one new US initiative.) Instead of work study in the kitchen or shelving books (or after one year of that,) offer work in a business (or something) environment. (Side note: mine did this through their community involvement, through college.) This isn’t all about freaking engineers or premeds or business majors. Humanities kids can work in various functions. But the idea is work that can go on a first resume (no matter how entry level.)
Nor is this about explicit or intensive OJT, per se. We’re talking about a revamp and should be open to various changes that are needed, to bring the opportunity kids to a new reality. A complexity of changes. That’s why mentoring matters, not just paying for college.
Frankly, imo, the side talk of who can live at home, etc, is secondary. Fact may be, they need this family support- or other viable options besides the cost of RB.
And is it this thread or another? When you get sidetracked that kids may have family responsibilities or be working to pay for the utilities, you miss that these issues don’t just end after hs graduation. If they have to babysit sibs now, what makes that end after high school? (And what’s next, free babysitting for those families?)
So, lots to consider.
I’d set up the college time work to pay for (or contribute against) a reasonable tuition. I didn’t say 10 hours of work study, but 20 hours of some work, with classes half time. Then, for most, the degree takes longer, sure. But the steps are there. Not unlike what our older relatives may have done.
It’s not true that, say 70% of future jobs will require a degree. There will always be the trades, sales, support work, etc.
Sorry, but, in part, I was a planner. Good plans are open to the vast range of issues, primary and collateral. They aren’t emotional, but rational. You test them for viability, how they withstand, over time, not just focus on the beauty aspects.