High school students are pushing back on a persistent message from school counselors: that a four-year college degree is the only path to a successful career. According to a report from K-12 Dive, students say counselors overwhelmingly steer them toward traditional college tracks while downplaying or overlooking Career and Technical Education programs, which offer hands-on training in fields like welding, nursing, IT, and skilled trades. The finding highlights a growing tension in education policy, as states and districts increasingly invest in CTE to meet workforce demand while counselors remain anchored in a "college for all" mindset. Critics argue that this mismatch not only limits students' options but also contributes to the shortage of skilled workers in industries that are critical to the economy.
High schoolers say school counselors emphasize college pathways — and not CTE K-12 Dive
