2024 Parent Perception Study Shows Kansas Parents Open to Skilled Careers, Alternatives to Traditional College
A recently completed survey of parent perceptions of post-secondary options and high-demand careers found significant changes since it was first conducted in 2019, including parents’ growing acceptance of their children pursuing skilled trade careers and alternatives to traditional four-year college.
“We found this year’s study confirmed some of the original findings — and that many perceptions have changed,” said Kristin Brighton, founder of HirePaths and an owner of New Boston Creative Group in Manhattan. “Between the pandemic, years of workforce shortages, and continued tuition increases at colleges and universities, many parents have become less convinced that their kids must invest the time and money to attend a four-year college or university to become successful adults.”
Completed in partnership between the HirePaths marketing campaign and the Kansas State Department of Education, a grantor to the campaign, the 2024 survey was disseminated to all Kansas school districts. Districts were encouraged to send the survey to parents and guardians to complete regarding their oldest child 18 years of age or younger living in the home. In both 2019 and 2024, Kansas school districts had the choice to participate.
Survey data showed that the percentage of parents who hope their child will earn a bachelor’s degree someday dropped significantly to 62.1% from 74.2%. It also found that the percentage of parents who hope their child goes straight from high school to a bachelor’s degree program dropped by 10 percentage points.
“I want to be clear: Our goal is not to push young people away from four-year college. HirePaths advocates for 40% of Kansas high school graduates to enroll in a four-year college or university. For those who want to earn a bachelor’s degree, HirePaths introduces them to high-demand, high-paying careers such as a civil engineer, physical therapist or accountant,” Brighton said. “If we want to keep Kansas kids here in Kansas, we must make sure they’re qualified for jobs our employers need to fill.”
The increasing cost of higher education and concerns about student debt also impacted parents’ perceptions. The percentage of respondents who report that the cost of higher education deters them from wanting their child to enter a four-year program right after high school grew to 34.1% from 26% five years ago. Approximately 72% of parents remain concerned about their child acquiring student debt (up slightly from 71% in 2019).
HirePaths also advocates for another 40% of Kansas high school graduates to earn some sort of post-secondary degree, credential or certification to show they have earned the skills for a professional career. The survey found that more than 75% of parents would be happy or very happy if their child went to a technical school, and nearly 60% of parents would be happy or very happy if their child pursued an apprenticeship.
“These options are inexpensive ways to launch many well-paying careers such as nursing, construction worker, plumber or cybersecurity analyst,” Brighton said. “The fact is, many students can learn valuable career skills and gain hands-on experience through these programs either for low or no cost — and those who choose to go the apprenticeship route get paid while they’re learning.”
Parent perceptions of 10 high-demand jobs were measured on the survey. Responses show perceptions have improved for many skilled labor jobs but have become less favorable for some careers that were affected by the pandemic, such as nurses, police officers and teachers.
Overall, one area that hadn’t changed much was whether parents felt their child needed to leave the state of Kansas after high school to be successful. Only about 10% of parents believe their child needs to leave the state, increasing slightly to 10.4% from 10.1%.
Brighton said this was the best news of the 2024 survey.
“Most parents believe Kansas offers opportunities for their kids. We must make sure the kids believe this too. HirePaths strives to illustrate the breadth of career opportunities waiting for them after graduation.”
HirePaths launched in 2021 with investments from some of Kansas’ largest employers and industries, including the Kansas Contractors Association, Textron Aviation, Stormont Vail Health, Spirit AeroSystems, Foley Equipment and Garmin. The campaign also has received two grants from federal ESSER II funds administered through the Kansas State Department of Education. Businesses interested in sponsoring the campaign and being featured in future content can learn more here.
