Analyzing the Western States Projected Demographics through 2020

Christopher Jones

EDU 776

Salem State University

Instructor: Dr. Lee A. Brossoit

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Demographics is the quantifiable study of population based on various factors such as

age, race, sex, economic status, and possibly level of income. It is the statistical gathering of

information based on any particular group of people. In regard to society, demographics play a

key role in the population, as it provides an accurate tracking system of our nations various

ethnic groups and their progress. As the world continuous to evolve and change, so does the

demographics of our planet in terms of ethnicity, race, and cultures.

Currently, in the United Sates, Caucasian people are considered the majority race in

terms of numbers, but according to the 2011 census, White people will lose their majority status

to Hispanics by the year 2043. The reason for this is simple, more Hispanic women are expected

to become impregnated at a faster clip than that of White women. As a result of this, there will

be more Hispanic children born nationwide than any other population therefore, causing a shift

in the countries demographic status. With an expected change in the countries demographics,

this will affect the United States and its many different cultures. The change will impact the US

across the board in areas of education, politics, and economics.

The area of education will definitely change. The demographics and landscapes as we

know them today will change. Each states educational elementary, secondary, and institutions of

higher education will be impacted. The ethnic groups currently enjoying the larger number

percentage will be over thrown by the Hispanic and Asian cultures.

The state of California with its massive number in terms of size, various cultures and

population has always been a state of interest for me. I have many times wondered what it

would be like to reside in California. I imagine what the educational system infrastructure is

like, and is it really as dangerous as people say in certain neighborhoods?

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I chose to analyze the state of California’s high school information relating to

demographics. I figured in doing this, it would give me a better visual in terms of the

educational system and population. Currently in California, 38% of the young adults have an

Associate’s Degree between the ages of 25-54. Asians, Whites, and Hispanics attainment rates

are up, but are the opposite for Blacks. The numbers for these cultures are predicted to grow,

because historically, Asians, Hispanics, and the White younger generations do better than the

elders in their culture. In terms of high school graduates, California reached its peak in the year

of 2010-2011 adding an increase of 84% of their student population graduating from secondary

schools. In the next three years, the state suffered a huge decline in graduates dropping 9%.

The state is projected to face a consistent decline through 2020 in terms of graduates. In fact,

California is predicted to lose the most number of graduates, than any other state in the country.

In regard to ethnicity, there will be significant drops in the number of graduates among Whites

and Blacks. Asians will remain the same, and Hispanics because of the increase in population

will grow in numbers by (19%).

Since 1992, high school graduates in the public school sector have been minorities.

According to future projections, this trend is predicted to accelerate. With the growing numbers

in the Hispanic population, this change took place in the year 2008, and by 2019-2020, Hispanics

will be the majority race in California. Overall the high school demographics in the state of

California by the year 2020 will change. Hispanic population will be the majority numbering

around 50% while the other cultures will suffer a decline in numbers. The education system will

see a constant decline for the number of students who graduate, and the annual incomes for

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minority groups will continue to drop. Even though minority groups are increasing in terms of

numbers and need of resources, it still seems as though White privileged people are still reaping

most of the benefits within society. The only change I see is the number of people being born.

In terms of education, and economics for minority people, there is not much change occurring.

With the projected trends and changes in California among high school graduates,

colleges and universities will definitely be impacted in terms of enrollment. If less and less

students are graduating from secondary schools, than that means less students will be accepted

into a college. The minimum requirement to enter college is a high school diploma. If students

are not receiving their diplomas, they will be denied access to institutions of higher education. A

community college would have difficulty justifying acceptance of these students. The only way

a student would be able to enter a particular university after their secondary school experience,

would be too receive a GED Certificate or enroll in some developmental courses at a potential

junior college, which would ultimately drive the cost of attendance up.

In terms of the types of students that would be attending institutions of higher education,

would be predominately white students. White students would be attending most of your

colleges and universities because a larger percentage of them will have their high school

diplomas.

The results were a little surprising to me, but not startling. I was already privy to the

theory of demographics of the population in terms of minorities. As different races mix, and bi-

racial cultures emerge, it is almost inevitable within our society of a change not to occur.

In terms of taking action, I think a practitioner should continue to educate themselves on

related issues with student affairs, and continue to raise awareness where ever within higher

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education administration. The journey of becoming an expert working in the field of Student

Affairs is a lifelong developmental process that requires a certain level of support from our

personal, educational and work environments. If you are a person with certain biased opinions,

and preconceived notions, you will struggle in this field. In my opinion, there is no room for

individuals with hidden agendas. I feel I will definitely be prepared to work with students in the

year 2020. I will continue to educate myself in the field, and I know I have the personality,

patience, knowledge and understanding to excel in this discipline of multicultural competence..