Nickoli Benkert

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

@YoungInvincible @TX_philanthropy Thanks for this insightful #TodaysVoicesTues chat! Let's continue working together to ensure all Texas students are college and workforce ready. Looking forward to next time!

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

@YoungInvincible A10: Legislators can ensure #TXED systems alignment by investing in comprehensive counseling, supporting dual-credit programs, improving data systems to track student progress, and promoting partnerships between high schools and colleges. #TXLege #TodaysVoicesTues

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

@YoungInvincible A9: We need to confront systemic racism and classism in our education system. More funding for low-income schools, broader accessibility to advanced courses, and inclusive policies can help close these gaps. #TodaysVoicesTues

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

@YoungInvincible A8: The Business & Industry endorsement option provides students with valuable skills and knowledge relevant to today's market demands. It can lead to high-wage, high-demand jobs even without a four-year degree! #TodaysVoicesTues

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

@YoungInvincible A7: The Foundation High School Program is a flexible graduation system in TX introduced in 2014. It lets students tailor their education to their interests via endorsements, which lead sto better college and career alignment. It's about giving students choice! #TodaysVoicesTues

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

@YoungInvincible A6: Without college or workforce readiness, we're setting up our youth for economic hardship. It's not just about jobs, it's about equipping them for a rapidly changing world. #TodaysVoicesTues

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

@YoungInvincible A5: Equitable funding, increasing teacher pay, and free college counselling for all students, regardless of their background or location, would make a huge difference! #TodaysVoicesTues

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

@YoungInvincible A4: Programs like dual-enrollment and AP courses help students get college-ready. Accessibility can vary based on location and school resources—effort must be made to ensure equitable access to these critical resources! #TodaysVoicesTues

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

@YoungInvincible A3: For me being "college ready" means being able to focus on expanding your my horizons and not being forced to play catch-up. It's about entering postsecondary education prepared to absorb, engage, and contribute. #TodaysVoicesTues

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

@YoungInvincible A2: College readiness means more than academics. It's about developing life skills, a sense of resilience, and understanding our civic duty! #TodaysVoicesTues

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

@YoungInvincible A1: As a recent grad, I see the need for more Texans to have postsecondary credentials. We're facing a skills gap and we must invest in education to remain competitive and ensure Texans have access to good jobs. #TodaysVoicesTues

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

@YoungInvincible Hey everyone! My name is Nickoli, and I am a recent UT grad, excited to dive into today's discussion about Texas' educational landscape! #TodaysVoicesTues

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

A2. Young Adults need access to affordable therapy and psychiatric support. Higher Education institutions must take measures to provide comprehensive mental health resources to their students—but students are not the only young adults who face these struggles! #TodaysVoicesTues

[Young Invincibles @YoungInvincible]

Q2: What kind of mental health resources do young adults need? #TodaysVoicesTues

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

A1. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the severity of the mental health crisis in America in many ways. Disparities in access to care came to the forefront as the number of young adults struggling with their mental health increased. #TodaysVoicesTues

[Young Invincibles @YoungInvincible]

Q1: First question: How has the mental health of young adults changed in the past two years? Has the pandemic impacted mental health? #TodaysVoicesTues

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

Hi! My name is Nickoli, and I am a senior at UT Austin studying Political Communication Studies. #TodaysVoicesTues

[Young Invincibles @YoungInvincible]

Happy #TodaysVoicesTues! It’s National Suicide Prevention Month and having acces to mental health support is a key aspect to preventing suicide. Who’s joining us today? Say hey!

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

More than 30% of jobs in the US today require an associate's degree, and another 35% require a bachelor's degree! As you can see, getting a degree is more important than ever, which is why we need to make sure that higher education is accessible to all! #TodaysVoicesTues

[Young Invincibles @YoungInvincible]

Q7: How important do you think a college degree is in the workforce today? #TodaysVoicesTues

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

Some of the "hidden costs" of college include textbooks, rising rent rates, transportation, food accessibility, and mental/physical healthcare! A lot of conversations around higher ed focus only on tuition, but there is so much more on today's students plates #TodaysVoicesTues

[Young Invincibles @YoungInvincible]

Q5: What are some external factors that impact college completion and cost of attendance? #TodaysVoicesTues

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

The role that higher education institutions play should not end with classes! Effort and resources need to be dedicated to ensuring that students are successful in the workplace post-graduation #TodaysVoicesTues

[Young Invincibles @YoungInvincible]

Q3: What role should your institution play in your transition to the workforce? #TodaysVoicesTues

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

In general, a lot of young people are not aware of all of the amazing opportunities that are available through apprenticeship programs and the various ways that you can "earn-while-you-learn!" #TodaysVoicesTues

[Young Invincibles @YoungInvincible]

Q2: What were 3 key factors in your decision to pursue an apprenticeship as opposed to a college degree? #TodaysVoicesTues

[Nickoli Benkert @BenkertNickoli]

Hi! My name is Nickoli, and I am an Organizing Coordinator with Young Invincibles! Excited for #TodaysVoicesTues

[Young Invincibles @YoungInvincible]

Happy #TodaysVoicesTues! This week we’re discussing challenges within higher education, identifying students’ needs through their experiences, and how TX can strengthen the school to workforce pipeline.

Before we get started, who’s joining us today? Introduce yourselves!