In my opinion, it is possible for Detroit to recover from this. Some may say that shutting down some schools will benefit the city financially, but taking that step for financial reasons only would most likely hurt the community by taking away education that would make it possible for future generations to improve the city socially and physically. Despite the unfortunate events that caused many schools to shut down, there is some good news along the way for Detroit and its education system.
![]() A report made by Wayne State University shows that the university's enrollment has had its first increase in 7 years. It is predicted to have about 30,000 students by 2021. Also as an incentive for more and more students to enroll in college, the city has designed a program called, The Detroit Promise. This program offers free four-year college tuition for students with good grades. Not only would this motivate and encourage students to want to do better in school, but it would also increase enrollment rates and provide better education opportunities, especially for the ones who cannot afford a college education but want to.
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Adding a private university in Detroit could also be a way to recover and improve the post-secondary education system. According to an article from The Atlantic by Justin Pop, "private universities occupy a disproportionate share of the very top tier in wealth and prestige -- places that operate in education, research and health care on a scale that could substantially affect the economy of a city as large as Detroit." Having a private university could mainy benefit the city and help it become prosperous. The cost to operate just Wayne State University alone is about $576 million compared to the $3 billion that Carnegie-Mellon and quasi-private Unversity of Pittsburg pay combined!
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In order for Detroit to get on the road to recovery for its colleges and universities, it will have to take more steps besides adding private universities and offerring sustantial scholarships. For example, they should go over and reestablish their financial stability. They could do this by investing in future plans and programs, prioritizing financial groundwork, control spending and creating better economic strategies for the long run. In addition to that, administration teams at colleges and universities in Detroit could partner with other universities and create connections with others to possibly expand their educational perspectives.
- Perhaps it's not too late..... One of the challenges these days for universities like Penn and Columbia is expanding in the newly pricey neighborhoods they've gentrified. Affordable real estate would not be a problem for somebody starting a university in Detroit.
- Justin Pop, Could a Private University Have Made a Difference in Detroit?, The Atlantic