Dear Eric: I agree with your thoughts to “Overworked,” the high school student who was juggling work and high school. As a workforce development specialist and school-work-consultant here is an additional suggestion. In this era, work-based activity is increasingly being recognized in the K-12 arena as a valid way to gain high school and even college credit. “Overworked” might want to also talk to a school counselor to see if they have work-based learning opportunities. (Learn and Earn, in some states, is actually one of several graduation pathways). Thanks for letting me chime in.

– Other Ways to Earn

Dear Other Ways: Thanks for this suggestion. A work opportunity that also helps the letter writer achieve academic goals is an ideal solution.

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Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.