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College isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine

As a high school student, deciding what comes next after graduation can be challenging. The natural choice is college for some, but it’s not always the best choice. College enrollment numbers from spring 2021 showed a decline of 3 percent from a year earlier, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. It’s the largest spring semester enrollment decrease since 2011. More often, students are opting to learn technical or skilled trades, transition directly into the workforce or join the military. Others who want more time to consider which career path best ...

Kids, parents need holiday break for mental health

As an elementary school counselor, I believe the holiday break couldn’t come at a better time. We have finished one of the most challenging semesters, thanks to all the issues related to COVID-19. Since the pandemic began in early 2020, school counselors have noted students feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, relieved, worried, anxious and now thrilled for a break from the routine of a typical school day and night. These young students are excellent observers of their world, but they aren’t always the best at interpreting their world. Especially with young children — and sometimes ...

What a ‘drug czar’ can do to end crisis

The United States has a new “Drug Czar.” Last month, Dr. Rahul Gupta was sworn in as the director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), following his Senate confirmation in October. His installation comes amid soaring drug-related deaths across the country — a number that surpassed the dark milestone of 100,000 deaths in the previous calendar year, according to provisional data released Nov. 17 by the Centers for Disease Control, driven almost entirely by increasing prevalence of illicit fentanyl and its analogs. Even more alarming: data showing ...

Youngstown schools must raise expectations

It’s no secret that Youngstown’s school district has struggled to provide a first-rate education. State exam scores have consistently been among the lowest in Ohio. Its most recent report card indicates that just 12 percent of graduates go on to complete an associate degree or higher. Because of these academic troubles, the district has been under formal state supervision through an Academic Distress Commission since 2009. Vocal advocates, however, have blasted the intervention policy and clamored for a return to full local control. In response, lawmakers recently enacted ...

YSU must cut its costs now to secure its future

Much has been reported in recent days regarding Youngstown State University’s enrollment, academic offerings and budget. Here, we will provide context to help clarify actions that are being taken and why they are necessary for YSU’s long-term sustainability as an institution of opportunity that inspires individuals, enhances futures and enriches lives. Let’s start in 2018, when the Higher Learning Commission, or HCL, awarded YSU a full 10-year re-accreditation. While HLC offered much praise, it also required a comprehensive review of all academic programs to ensure efficiency, ...

It’s time for Valley to reap potential of green industry

Appalachia is rich in resources that span physical and social realms. A rich natural environment, an intentional network of infrastructure and a ready workforce unique to each community, when we work together as a region, is the best way to revitalize and bring our economies into the 21st century. With the right partnerships and federal investment, this region has potential to become a hub for green industrial manufacturing. Struthers recently was awarded a $50,000 Appalachian Regional Commission POWER planning grant to develop a regional strategic plan for green industrial ...