Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...

[GhettoDogAllStars]

In Florida, there is a program called Bright Futures. Any high-school student who meets the following criteria receives 75% tuition paid for any school in Florida:

Merit Scholarship-
1.) Meet attendance requirements
2.) 3.0 or greater cumulative high-school GPA
3.) 970 or better on the SAT

In addition, if you meet this criteria you receive 100% tuition paid, plus $600 per semester for other expenses (i.e.: books):

Full Academic Scholarship-
1.) Meet attendance requirements
2.) 3.5 or greater cumulative high-school GPA
3.) 1270 or better on SAT

The program will pay your tuition for up to 6 years, or 140 credits. It's probably the best education program in the state of Florida, and possibly the whole nation.

I moved to Florida after my Junior year in high-school, and since I met the requirements, I qualified for the Merit Scholarship. I don't have my Bachelor's degree yet, but I did get 118 college credits and only had to pay 25% tuition, plus books. I worked full-time and went to school at night. It was a great opportunity. Of course everyone is granted a high-school education for free, and if you perform there you will have most of your college tuition paid for (if not all of it) -- your income bracket is irrelevant. Poor people have the opportunity to go to college for free in Florida. Literally.

Note: I might be off 10 or 20 SAT points, and the Scholarship might not be 140 credits, but it's definitely really close to that. They also change the rules every now and then, but the basic idea doesn't change: poor people have the opportunity to get a college degree for free (or close to it).

[GhettoDogAllStars]

I currently work as a computer programmer. I have no academic credentials that apply to this profession. I learned what I know by reading and learning, which is free. I feel that everyone could do this. All you need is a computer, and you can get access to those for free at the library.

We are always looking for quality programmers, and education is of very little significance. Knowledge and experience are paramount. This is a big industry with lots of opportunities for great pay and benefits, and you don't need a college education -- just the time and desire to learn.

Sorry for getting off-topic. I just thought I would share some of my personal experiences which apply to some of the ideas being discussed here.

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by GhettoDogAllStars

I currently work as a computer programmer. I have no academic credentials that apply to this profession. I learned what I know by reading and learning, which is free. I feel that everyone could do this. All you need is a computer, and you can get access to those for free at the library.

We are always looking for quality programmers, and education is of very little significance. Knowledge and experience are paramount. This is a big industry with lots of opportunities for great pay and benefits, and you don't need a college education -- just the time and desire to learn.

Sorry for getting off-topic. I just thought I would share some of my personal experiences which apply to some of the ideas being discussed here.

I'm with GDAS on this. In the Info Tech sector the stuff that matters the most, by a lot, is experience. What do you know? And I have never met anyone who came out of college with a simple college education who was worth hiring to actually do a job. Most of them need real world training and months to finally be able to do well at their jobs. The exceptions are of course the uber dorks who didn't really need a college education in the first place since they had been coding or whatever since they were 9. Anyways my experience is that being successful requires 80% effort and 20% opportunity.

[jsarno]

Alright, I did find the info (finally) about the free college.

They no longer do it through the department of labor, they now do it through New Mexico Works. The program is called W.I.A. Workforce Investment Act.

The guy I spoke with wasn't positive it was available in all states, but thinks it's a federally funded program, so I would suggest that anyone that is interested, call your department of labor, or whatever state you're from "works" program and see if you are eligible.

My friend's wife went through the program, and not only did they pay for the college 100%, they gave her $150 a month until she was done with the program, now she's making about $30 an hour as a nurse.

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Ouch, that hurts.

Actually it doesn't. After actually looking over the list, the school I got my bachelors from is not on that list, but the school I got my masters from is. Funny how that works. That was what Schneed and I PMed each other about.

I still don't think it really matters unless you're going for an extremely high profile job. As long as the school is accredited, it's fine.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by jsarno

Actually it doesn't. After actually looking over the list, the school I got my bachelors from is not on that list, but the school I got my masters from is. Funny how that works. That was what Schneed and I PMed each other about.

I still don't think it really matters unless you're going for an extremely high profile job. As long as the school is accredited, it's fine.

Ok, as long as it's accredited with the AACSB you're good to go. I was a little worried for you there for a minute.

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Ok, as long as it's accredited with the AACSB you're good to go. I was a little worried for you there for a minute.

Do you know if your state has a program like the W.I.A. here in New Mexico?

[skinsguy]

Originally Posted by jsarno

Alright, I did find the info (finally) about the free college.

They no longer do it through the department of labor, they now do it through New Mexico Works. The program is called W.I.A. Workforce Investment Act.

The guy I spoke with wasn't positive it was available in all states, but thinks it's a federally funded program, so I would suggest that anyone that is interested, call your department of labor, or whatever state you're from "works" program and see if you are eligible.

My friend's wife went through the program, and not only did they pay for the college 100%, they gave her $150 a month until she was done with the program, now she's making about $30 an hour as a nurse.

I know about that program quite well. Southside Virginia has used the Workforce Investment Act quite a few times. They have also used Trade Act as well. Now, I know this because my father worked for a company that closed its doors due to the "free trade" stuff. I actually worked for this company as well, but since I was already in school and working towards my bachlelor degree, it really wouldn't have helped me.

Here is the skinny on those programs. They will pay for your college as long as you go full time and maintain a certain average. I believe as long as you maintain a "C" average, you should be good. You also have to go full time during the summer months as well. Once you have chosen a particular field of study, you cannot change it once you start it. You either have to finish it out, quit, or fail out. The biggest thing with the program is that it WILL NOT pay tuition for a four year degree. I know this, because I checked into it to see if it would pay for my bachelor degree. The representatives stated that the programs were mainly designed for associate degrees or vocational degrees. Basically, anything a community college would offer you. There is also a cap limit on how much they will pay, and if they cannot pay for your entire tuition, books and all, then it will not pay for any of it.

As I've stated, I know about this program and related programs quite well. They are good programs for those who have lost their job due to trade reasons, (i.e. factory and textile jobs) and are looking for a fresh start. They will not help with bachelor degree or master degree programs from universities.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by jsarno

Do you know if your state has a program like the W.I.A. here in New Mexico?

I really have no idea. If they do I've never heard of it.

[Schneed10]

Touching on some earlier posts by Ghetto and FRPLG, I do have to say that when it comes to degrees and certifications and whatever, they're nice to have and certainly can open doors. But primarily, employers are looking for quality workers. Smart people who get along well with others, and who will apply themselves will always be in demand.

If you lack top notch credentials, but show a manager in your office that you are valuable, the manager's not going to care what your credentials are. I work with a woman who has been at my company for like 20 years, she has no college degree. But she's bright, and great with working databases, so she's trusted for key projects and makes like 55 or 60K. That's pretty damn good for someone without a bachelor's. She's done it by working hard and proving herself, no degree necessary.

The tough part is when you're applying for a job where nobody knows you, like when you up and move to a new city. Then all you have to rely on is the credentials.

When you really hit the jackpot is to establish that reputation with managers in your company, gaining trust, working hard, building your credibility to the point where many people know you and talk positively about you; and then you turn around and combine that with top notch credentials. You'll build a network so fast, your momentum will carry you straight to the top.

[KLHJ2]

Originally Posted by GhettoDogAllStars

Let's just kill them, and be done with it.

That's not fair. You do not have to agree with me, but to allude to something that drastic, even though it is sarcasim, is harsh. I know that what I am saying seems cruel, but the lockup that I am refering to is not as cruel as you guys may think. Think of it as more of a minimum security place or a guarded homless shelter.

The only difference is that we are essentially forcing them to make something of themselves. IMO that is alot better than letting them suffer with a needle in their arms, a bottle in their hands, and a newspaper on their backs as we walk by them on a daily basis without even acknowledging their existance.

Call it intervention, call it whatever you want to, but do not just assume that I want the homeless all dead. I want them all helped. You do not agree with my methods. OK, my feeling are not hurt. But, never assume that I think that certain people are not worthy of existence.

Maybe it is the former military in me. We do not let our people fail, we force them to suceed.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by angryssg

Maybe it is the former military in me. We do not let our people fail, we force them to suceed.

Or we shoot them for failing to obey a direct order. So, I say we order the homeless people to build homes and, if they don't, we shoot them for disobeying a direct order.

Just kidding, I couldn't resist.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by GhettoDogAllStars

In Florida, there is a program called Bright Futures. Any high-school student who meets the following criteria receives 75% tuition paid for any school in Florida:

Merit Scholarship-
1.) Meet attendance requirements
2.) 3.0 or greater cumulative high-school GPA
3.) 970 or better on the SAT

In addition, if you meet this criteria you receive 100% tuition paid, plus $600 per semester for other expenses (i.e.: books):

Full Academic Scholarship-
1.) Meet attendance requirements
2.) 3.5 or greater cumulative high-school GPA
3.) 1270 or better on SAT

The program will pay your tuition for up to 6 years, or 140 credits. It's probably the best education program in the state of Florida, and possibly the whole nation.

I moved to Florida after my Junior year in high-school, and since I met the requirements, I qualified for the Merit Scholarship. I don't have my Bachelor's degree yet, but I did get 118 college credits and only had to pay 25% tuition, plus books. I worked full-time and went to school at night. It was a great opportunity. Of course everyone is granted a high-school education for free, and if you perform there you will have most of your college tuition paid for (if not all of it) -- your income bracket is irrelevant. Poor people have the opportunity to go to college for free in Florida. Literally.

I've heard of that program and I absolutely love it. I'd be fine with paying more taxes to subsidize those kinds of programs.

[KLHJ2]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

Or we shoot them for failing to obey a direct order. So, I say we order the homeless people to build homes and, if they don't, we shoot them for disobeying a direct order.

Just kidding, I couldn't resist.

Smart ass! LOL

No we wouldn't shoot them, just detain, thats all.

[GhettoDogAllStars]

Originally Posted by angryssg

That's not fair. You do not have to agree with me, but to allude to something that drastic, even though it is sarcasim, is harsh. I know that what I am saying seems cruel, but the lockup that I am refering to is not as cruel as you guys may think. Think of it as more of a minimum security place or a guarded homless shelter.

The only difference is that we are essentially forcing them to make something of themselves. IMO that is alot better than letting them suffer with a needle in their arms, a bottle in their hands, and a newspaper on their backs as we walk by them on a daily basis without even acknowledging their existance.

Call it intervention, call it whatever you want to, but do not just assume that I want the homeless all dead. I want them all helped. You do not agree with my methods. OK, my feeling are not hurt. But, never assume that I think that certain people are not worthy of existence.

Maybe it is the former military in me. We do not let our people fail, we force them to suceed.

You're right. That was unfair, and harsh. I am sorry. Some of my frustration with the Belichick thread made it's way here.

It would be nice to force the homeless to succeed, but it's their prerogative to be homeless, IMO. I'm sure there are plenty of people who are happy being homeless.