Gentry plan a step forward

THE DEC. 26 Albuquerque Journal editorial reviewed the proposal by Rep. Nate Gentry, R-Albuquerque, to explore making graduation from a New Mexico High School contingent upon submitting at least one application to a college or university. Presumably the application could encompass both community — two-year — colleges as well as four-year institutions.

The proposal is well-thought-out in that it does not “aim too high.” That is, statistics probably show that many college graduates in this day and age are unable to readily find employment. In some cases, their major field of study is not in demand, or they concentrated on a “soft” field of study for which there is no clear career path.

Rep. Gentry’s proposal recognizes that many average, or below average, high school graduates may possess genuine mechanical abilities and are well suited to enter training in vocational studies such as plumbing, electrical, diesel or automotive repair training programs at institutions that are not traditional college campuses. Both community colleges and specialized training institutions offer basic and advanced training in the red-hot information systems/computer field. A journeyman plumber or electrician may well command the same, or better salary, within five years than many college graduates. That same tradesman will possibly begin and own his own small business within 10 to 15 years.

New Mexico high school graduates who are serious about pursuing a college degree also have another very special opportunity. New Mexico is one of only five states that host a special military campus: the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) at Roswell.

Every New Mexico state legislator has a scholarship to give to a qualifying New Mexico high school graduate. It is up to a cash-strapped high school graduate to determine his/her priorities: college and wear a uniform, or no college. For those willing to commit to an initial term of military service as an officer, an officer commission from NMMI followed by two years to attain a bachelor’s degree, while continuing paid participation in the Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC), will significantly reduce college debt upon graduation, with a guaranteed job upon graduation. After four years, that same college graduate should be free to leave the service having achieved annual earnings in the range of $50K, plus benefits such as a tax-free housing allowance and full medical coverage. SCOTT SUMMERFIELD Santa Fe