Blog & Insights

In the last several years the number of people that have received a college degree swelled to just over a third of the U.S. population—a significant increase over the previous decade. For many, it probably seemed as though the best bet to secure a good, high-paying job was to get a college degree and seek out white-collar opportunities, especially as manufacturing jobs steadily declined.

When more people can afford to earn college degrees, we all win. So why do students alone shoulder the risks of financing their educations? People who have bachelor’s degrees contribute $381,000 more in taxes over their lifetimes than they receive in government benefits. College-educated citizens are less likely to become unemployed and less likely to live in poverty. People with college degrees are also more likely to vote, volunteer, give money to charity, and even donate blood than people who have not graduated from college.

Whether reading about breakthrough innovations, disruptions in business models, or shifting consumer habits, there is one theme in the news that seems omnipresent: the pace of change has radically accelerated. Not only are businesses struggling to keep up, workers need to update their skills continually to stay competitive and employed.

Today’s college students are different from their parents or even their older siblings. With the oldest members of Generation Z now beginning to enter and even graduate from college, the needs and priorities of students are starting to shift. The core of what college is will not change, of course. A great education that challenges students, broadens their horizons, and prepares them for the workforce is always going to be essential. But there are some things schools can do differently to adapt to this new generation’s needs.

In the past few months, there has been an upswell in conversation around Income Share Agreements (ISAs) from the media and educational institutions alike. As ISAs gain ground, we believe it is a good time to reflect on why we founded Leif, what we are doing now, and what we hope to accomplish in the future. Although Leif was founded in 2016, the origins of its mission took root years before.

The headlines keep coming: a worldwide labor shortage is looming. Some say it is already here. According to Manpower Group, 46% of companies report they are struggling to find qualified workers. Other surveys report numbers as high as 68%, and in June, a report by NFIB Research Center noted the percentage of small businesses not able to fill open positions was at a record high. The aging workforce combined with a perceived skills gap is making it a job-seeker’s market. That is, for those job-seekers who have the right skills. It is the perfect time for students to skill up.

Leif is proud to be the only all-in-one platform that powers ISA programs for some of the most innovative education programs: from non-profits to career accelerators, to traditional accredited universities. Our partner schools have succeeded in providing quality education to thousands of students at an affordable cost — with proven results. Thousands of students will have a brighter 2019 because of the amazing work carried out by our partner schools.

More than 60% of Americans think the average college student is 20 years old, according to research by the New America Foundation, and the majority believe that most students go to school full-time. Those of us who work in higher education know that the reality is completely different.