Berkley Center

In our “land of opportunity” where pursuit of the American dream harvests freedom, happiness, and prosperity in life, who is given the key to set this bountiful harvest free? Is it any and every individual who works hard in school, is motivated to reach beyond excellence, and perseveres through even the hardest of struggles? Many students of the Millennial generation argue that this ideal is far from reality.

Education is the key to freedom, but the pervasive lack of equal educational opportunity in the United States is arguably the most fundamental and most pressing concern our nation currently faces. The gap between the haves and have-notes is widening to the point where one’s zip code defines your level of success. While a lucky handful of Americans muse over questions of which institution will best fit their academic and personal goals and which job offer acceptance will inspire rewarding and fulfilling work, these are decisions that an unlucky many will neverhave the opportunity to consider.

The knowledge, skills, and creativity developed through education are vital to escaping the cycle of poverty in light of a brighter future; however, equal access to educational opportunities is restrained by the forceful barrier of affordability. According to Millennials, high tuition rates and student loans are burdening a heavy debt upon college students, pushing many to give up on their dreams of becoming and fall into the pool of high-school dropouts.

Students point to the economic value of education, noting education as a productive way to capitalize the ingenuity and intellect that every American citizen can contribute.

However, when attainment for many is impossible, human talent is left underutilized, diminishing overall social productivity. Our potential as a nation to be global leaders prevailing against challenges, bringing about technological advancement, and launching discoveries in the field of science is limited if we do not recognize the direct causation between education and world-changing innovation.

Clearly, Millennials want change; our nation’s fractured education system calls for reform from the bottom up. Millennials are stressing government support on all levels, as well as prioritization in family values. In our increasingly competitive and globalized world, a high quality education is the call to action Millennials demand.