A high school diploma will no longer be sufficient. But that post secondary education does not have to be a four-year university or a four-year college. It can be career technical education, vocational education, community college.

Raja Krishnamoorthi’s quote addresses the evolving expectations of the modern job market, emphasizing that a high school diploma alone is no longer enough to secure a stable and well-paying job. He argues that the landscape of education has shifted, and post-secondary education—which is any education beyond high school—has become essential for success. However, Krishnamoorthi stresses that this higher education does not necessarily have to take the traditional form of a four-year university or college.

Instead, he highlights alternatives like career technical education and vocational education, which provide specialized skills and training that are increasingly valued in today’s workforce. These options, including community colleges, offer more accessible and often more affordable paths for individuals to gain practical experience and enter the job market with the skills needed to succeed. Krishnamoorthi’s perspective challenges the conventional narrative that college is the only route to success, advocating for a more diverse and inclusive approach to education.

This quote reflects Krishnamoorthi’s belief in the importance of a flexible and inclusive education system that provides opportunities for everyone, regardless of whether they pursue a four-year degree. By highlighting various pathways to success, he acknowledges that different people have different talents and interests, and education should cater to those diverse needs. In doing so, he advocates for a shift in how society values and supports various forms of education.

The origin of this quote comes from Krishnamoorthi’s broader work as a U.S. congressman, where he has been a strong advocate for policies that promote economic opportunity and access to a variety of educational options. His focus is on ensuring that all individuals have access to the skills and training necessary to succeed, whether through traditional academic routes or more specialized, hands-on education.