Twelve Zeros

1,000,000,000,000.

1 trillion dollars contains more zeros than most of us can conceptualize. I am usually happy when my 'zero count' passes one, so twelve of these goose eggs lined up next to each other seems absolutely otherworldly.

This morning I was watching one of the national news programs when something interesting caught my attention. A report was shown that indicated the amount of debt college students in America have accumulated has surpassed the trillion dollar mark. There have been measures passed to alleviate some of this debt. And this also doesn't take into account money provided from grants and scholarships awarded to people. But the truth of the situation is sobering: college is expensive.

It seems education can be a double-edged sword. It offers more opportunities for an individual to make a living, but the debt accrued can hang like an albatross around one's neck for decades. I've spoken to many high school students who are leery about going to college because of the student loans. Others have decided against it, altogether. For homeless kids, the daunting task of pursuing a college education can be even more overwhelming due to a lack of a permanent address or low grades caused by perpetual transferring in and out of schools.

The report focused on a Colorado school district that brokered an agreement with one of the local community colleges in their area. These two entities have joined forces, allowing high school students to take college courses. Now, this is not uncommon and many school districts have programs like this. What's happening in Colorado is a bit different because the alliance between the public schools and the college extends to 9th and 10th graders and, here's the kicker... The classes are provided for free.

One girl was profiled in the story and she had saved nearly $70,000 by utilizing this program. She ended up graduating with an Associates Degree 9 days before her high school graduation! This particular young lady was one of several siblings who would not have been able to go to school without a significant and sizable loan. Kids are offered the chance to take concurrent college classes at their high schools.

The logistics and bureaucracy involved with a merger and partnership like this must have been a nightmare. But it shows that programs like this can be successful and, even more importantly, can make a tangible difference to students who would not have an opportunity, otherwise. Thinking outside the box is the only way we can address issues that refuse to go away.

Now, hopefully we can eliminate some of those zeros.