There are a wide variety of reasons why many Asian Americans in L.A. are choosing to join the Army instead of college. Some Asian Americans in the L.A. area already have college degrees, but are looking to the U.S. army as a new way to help them get a quality job that utilizes their education. Other people are choosing to join up with the Army because it will allow them to earn their U.S. citizenship, while helping them earn money and skills to get a job after they finish their duty. According to a demographic study of LA college students, many of the Asian-Americans in the area want to attend the best California colleges which can be very expensive, especially if you factor in graduate school. Receiving college aid is a huge draw for many who are looking at paying over $100,000 for a four year degree from some of the top public and private California colleges.
The study suggests that, traditionally, Asian Americans have not been apt to join the Army, but the rough economy and potential of massive debt from earning their college degree has shifted this trend. In general Southern California has seen strong overall growth in Army recruitment from all of the major counties in the area. This year there is a new program which offers citizenship to certain individuals with the right health care education or language skills. Since many Asians in California are bi-lingual and also speak their native language, it is no wonder why so many are making the choice to join the Army. Most do not realize how much the Army will work with applicants to have them work in an area which they have a college degree or focus on an area which they intend to study further upon completion of their duty. As the economy improves it will be interesting to see if this trend continues in the Southern California area.
Tags: army recruitment, california, california college, california degree, California Economy, los angeles news
