@thumper1, I don’t think this family has meaningful conversations, given the OP’s post.
From what I understand the girl with the PowerPoint did a kind of entertaining thing that brought about the family’s continuing conversation on a serious topic.
This student could make it humorous, thought-provoking, serious, whatever. Title page: “Why I should return to school, 101”
Anything, really, to begin the dialogue of this young adult, earning his parent’s trust and returning to school. If the family isn’t used to having sitdown conversations, this could be a channel to opening a conversation door. Family dynamics are complicated; everyone has really different ideas about how their family should function.
What could it hurt? If the parents refuse to listen, then we know something else is going on with the family.