It's time we celebrate every path to success in NJ — not just college | Opinion

by Aura Dunn, northjersey.com

In towns across New Jersey, the signs are everywhere. Literally.

They hang on front doors, decorate front yards and populate our social media feeds. "Proud parent of a [Insert University Name] student!" High schools celebrate “Decision Days,” Spirit Weeks revolve around college merch and conversations among neighbors begin with a single assumption: Where is your child going to college?

But what if the answer is: “They’re not”?

For too long, we’ve reinforced a singular definition of success — one that centers exclusively on the four-year college degree. It’s a narrative so deeply embedded in our culture that any alternative can feel like failure. That’s not just misguided, it’s unfair, and it’s limiting our young people.

The data tells a different story. Of the 3.1 million high school graduates nationwide, just over 61% enroll in college. That leaves nearly 40% choosing other paths, whether due to cost, interest or life circumstance. In New Jersey, we pride ourselves on being a high-achieving state, yet only 198 of our graduates entered an apprenticeship last year. That’s not just a statistic, it’s a call to action.

College isn't the only route for every New Jersey student

We need to expand our definition of achievement. College is a fantastic route for many, but it is not the only route. Apprenticeships, military service, vocational training and direct-to-work options are not second-tier choices. They are essential to a thriving economy and a resilient society.

Apprenticeships, in particular, offer a powerful blend of education and hands-on experience. They are debt-free, career-aligned and increasingly vital in high-demand fields — from advanced manufacturing to artificial intelligence. Yet these pathways rarely get the same spotlight.

Even our institutional reporting reflects this bias. In the New Jersey School Performance Report Reference Guide, the word “college” appears 39 times. “Military” is mentioned twice, and apprenticeships — while referenced 21 times — still don’t see the cultural celebration they deserve.

That’s why I support the recent federal initiatives that are finally giving apprenticeships the attention they’ve long deserved. President Donald Trump’s executive orders to expand registered apprenticeships, especially in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, are steps in the right direction. Setting a national goal of 1 million active apprenticeships is not just ambitious — it’s essential. These orders promote innovation in education, integrate apprenticeships into federal funding programs and modernize how we measure success.

How can we expand the definition of post-high school success in NJ?

But national momentum must be met with local action. Here in New Jersey, we need to encourage our schools to present all post-graduation paths equally, with pride and respect. We must invest in vocational and technical education, beginning as early as middle school, and build strong partnerships with businesses to expand registered apprenticeship opportunities in emerging industries. Most importantly, we should celebrate the students who choose these alternative paths with the same enthusiasm and recognition we give to those heading to college.

Achievement is not a zip code or a GPA. It’s not determined by the logo on a sweatshirt. It’s defined by purpose, contribution and passion. Whether someone builds bridges, serves our country, codes new technology or earns a Ph.D., each path deserves recognition and respect.

Let’s stop asking only, “Where is your child going to college?” and start asking, “What lights them up? What problems do they want to solve? What path will allow them to thrive?”

Because when we do that, we stop preparing our students for one future and start empowering them to shape their own.

Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, a Republican, represents parts of Morris and Passaic counties in the 25th Legislative District.

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