Vocational School Enrollment Surges 20% Since 2020
Vocational School Enrollment Surges 20% Since 2020
馃摎 Trade Schools Make Comeback
Two-year vocational public schools have seen significant growth in student enrollment, according to new data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
Key points:
- 20% increase in enrollment since 2020
- Net gain of 850,000+ students
- Trend indicates growing interest in vocational education
This surge suggests a shifting perspective on traditional education paths and growing recognition of trade-based career opportunities.
Enrollment at two-year vocational public schools have increased by about 20% since 2020, a net increase of over 850,000 students, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
Social Security Trust Fund Depletion Timeline Update
The Social Security trust fund faces a critical timeline, with latest reports indicating funds will be depleted in approximately eight years. This aligns with earlier warnings from June 2025 about both Social Security and Medicare trust funds approaching insolvency within a decade. Key points: - Current projection: Social Security funds exhausted by 2033 - Benefits would be reduced, not eliminated, after depletion - Medicare faces similar timeline challenges This development could affect millions of Americans' retirement planning. For detailed analysis, see [Time's coverage](https://time.com/7295886/social-security-medicare-funds-benefits-cut/).
Google's Top Tech Salaries Revealed
Recent data shows competitive compensation at Google for technical roles: - **Software Engineers**: Up to $340,000 - **Product Managers**: Up to $280,000 - **Research Scientists**: Up to $303,000 - **Financial Analysts**: Exceeding $200,000 For context, a global survey of 570 engineers showed a median salary of $120,000, with North American engineers earning $193,000 on average - a 1.5% increase from previous year.
Meta Building Massive AI Data Centers
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced plans to construct multiple large-scale data centers dedicated to artificial intelligence operations. The first facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2026. This development follows Zuckerberg's recent statement about observing self-improving AI systems within Meta's infrastructure. Key Points: - Multiple AI-focused data centers in development - First center operational in 2026 - Builds on Meta's existing AI capabilities - Follows observations of self-improving AI systems
Gen Z Investment Trends and Employment Challenges
**Key Investment & Financial Trends:** - 60% of Gen Z actively invest in stocks beyond 401(k)s - 62% prefer social media financial advice over traditional advisors - 60% believe full-time work won't meet financial goals **Employment Landscape:** - College-educated Gen Z men face same unemployment rates as non-grads - 58% of recent Gen Z grads struggling to find full-time work - 40% of millennials and Gen Z rely on side jobs **Financial Security:** - Gen X reports highest financial insecurity (84%) - Gen Z follows at 80% - First-time home buyers hit historic low *The data suggests a shifting financial mindset among younger generations, despite challenging employment conditions.*
Housing Market Shows Sustained Growth with 24 Months of Price Increases
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that house median prices have maintained a consistent upward trajectory, marking **24 consecutive months** of year-over-year growth. Current data shows the median U.S. home price stands at **$435,000**, representing a significant **39% increase** since 2020. - 24 months of continuous annual price growth - $435,000 current median home price - 39% price appreciation since 2020 *This sustained growth pattern indicates a robust housing market despite broader economic fluctuations.*