() President Trump’s suggestion that billions in federal funding be redirected from Harvard University to U.S. trade schools is an idea that appeals to Republican Congressman Kevin Hern.
The representative from Oklahoma has co-sponsored legislation to broaden the use of tax-advantaged 529 savings accounts for technical and vocational programs. Hern says he himself benefited from vocational training during high school, which paved the way for his engineering degree.
As for throwing taxpayer money at trade schools, he advises caution.
“We’ve got to make sure that these outcomes are people that are getting great jobs and not just people who are standing up businesses to get funding,” Hern told “The Hill” Thursday.
Trade schools offer training in high-demand fields such as HVAC, construction, electrical engineering and plumbing and are seen as an alternative for students who may not have the means or interest to pursue a four-year degree.
Hern indicated he doesn’t have a problem with higher education but said many students don’t know what their professional path will be.
“Very few kids and I say kids that come out of high school know what they’re going to do in four years. And that’s why we see runaway student debt, only second to mortgages in America,” he said.
His advice: “Learn a skill, go to Harvard; learn a skill, go to the Naval Academy. Learn a skill and go somewhere. But learn how to make sure you can take care of yourself.”
