Online Career Training Faces Scrutiny Amid Growth

Online career training programs are experiencing significant growth as students seek alternatives to traditional higher education for faster entry into well-paying careers. Companies like Stride Inc., which operates public virtual schools, are expanding their career-oriented offerings to meet this demand. However, the efficacy of these online programs is facing scrutiny, with anecdotal evidence suggesting mixed results for students.

Cori Space, a high school student in Madison, Alabama, attended the Alabama Destinations Career Academy, a virtual school run by Stride Inc., for her sophomore year. Her mother, Hilary Space, reported that the school staff never discussed career path enrollment with the family. Cori's school days were characterized by only two hours of live instruction twice a week, with most homework completed in under an hour. Hilary Space expressed concern about the program's designation as a career readiness initiative, stating she did not understand its purpose. This experience highlights potential shortcomings in program guidance and student engagement within some online career training models.

In contrast, Mileka Hager, another student attending a Stride Inc. school, the Idaho Technical Career Academy, reported a more positive experience. Mileka chose a business career track and participated in four hours of live online classes daily, covering core subjects and business-specific courses. She successfully earned eight professional certifications, which she believes will be beneficial for securing an entry-level job. Hager's experience suggests that when structured with sufficient live instruction and clear career path guidance, online career training can yield valuable credentials and prepare students for the workforce.

The broader trend indicates a growing interest in career and technical education as a pathway to employment, potentially circumventing the cost and time associated with college degrees. For-profit education companies are capitalizing on this trend by enhancing their online career training curricula. Nevertheless, delivering effective career training online to high school students presents inherent challenges. Some students are drawn to online learning due to anxiety or other personal circumstances, which can impact their ability to engage with the material and benefit from the program. The varied outcomes underscore the importance of program design, student support, and clear communication between schools, students, and parents to ensure these programs effectively prepare students for their chosen careers.