S5E109: Alternatives To College~Praxis

Honey! I'm Homeschooling The Kids

Alternatives to College~Praxis

Is University or College the only option? I know University is what we push, or aspire our kids to attend. We try our best to use their childhood to prepare them it. Not to prepare them for adulthood, but for college.

I even notice at times that people measure the success of homeschooling or unschooling on...college. Were they able to get in, did they attend and if they did, where did they go? How did they do? There seems to be the perception that "something must be wrong with you if you don't go to school." But really, is there something wrong? Or have there only been limited alternatives and viewpoints up until now? What are the alternatives to College?

If you are familiar with my podcast, you will know that I am all about exploring the alternatives. I showcase the unique learning lives that families have created. I want to continue offering these numerous perspectives and this episode is no different. This time I am showcasing a different perspective on post secondary education. It is called Praxis and I am joined by the CEO of Praxis, Cameron Sorsby.

Praxis~ Get matched with a full-time, paid apprenticeship without the cost or hassle of college. No degree required

Cameron Sorsby is the CEO of Praxis, a year-long apprenticeship program that combines a professional bootcamp and a full-time paid job at a high-growth startup. The program offers a direct route into entrepreneurial careers for driven young people without the cost and hassle of college.
Outside of Praxis, Cameron enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and reading. As a former public and private school student, he's very jealous of all the amazing homeschoolers that join Praxis.

In This Episode~Praxis Philosophy

In this episode Cameron and I explore the core philosophy of Praxis- that the best way to learn is through experience. We talk about how and why Praxis came to be in 2013 and what it looks like now. We break down the 3 different stages of life and learning at Praxis and why this program is so uniquely different to traditional college and university. It comes down to:

• The career discovery process and the foundational skills that a person needs, no matter what
• The job hunt and landing a job- being pro-active and creative
• Setting yourself up for continuous growth and learning
• Apprenticeship and mentorship
• At a fraction of the cost

Did you know that close to 40% of Praxis alumni we homeschooled? That is a high number. And it speaks to the core philosophy of the program- that the best way to learn is through experience. It is a philosophy that many homeschoolers connect with. That philosophy and the choice of developing and betting on "self" instead of a traditional education and career path. That happens is the chance to build like and career on your own terms. I know many homeschoolers that wholeheartedly agree.

Here are a few cornerstones that Cameron left for us in this interview. He was referring to guiding principles for young people facing the world, but I feel they apply to each one of us.

• Gain Work Experience
• Don't equate education with formal school- pursue interests, go down rabbit holes, learn as much as you can
• Don't be a consumer of content- Be a creator of content
• Get uncomfortable, get over the perfectionist mindset and develop the ability to do things with intention

Resources

If you connect with these and would like to learn more about Praxis, I suggest that you go to their website, DiscoverPraxis.com, join their newsletter or follow them on social media @DiscoverPraxis- on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter

If you enjoyed this conversation and would like to hear more about homeschooling or unschooling and college, check out my interview with Hannah Frankman, a grown homeschooler that found a career at Praxis.

Are you enjoying the podcast? I would love to hear from you. Just head to my contact page and send me a message. If you would like to offer support, join my Patreon community ~ https://www.patreon.com/honeyimhomeschoolingthekids

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