Getting kids interested.

In my own opinion, I think that getting kids interested and getting them to want to go onto 4 year college is good. However, I believe that they should go when ready. Like taking two years at Shasta College or something and then transfering. I think its important because then they could have more possibilites in their lives. Yet, I don't believe in pushing kids to do something they don't want to do. While I think its important that they get a good education and go to a good college, I only feel its right that they should have their own say. I think they should make more 4 year universities around here so that some kids won't be so frightened to leave and they can be inspired to stay home yet still go to a good college.
According to" http://www.cpec.ca.gov/FiscalData/CACountyEconGraph.asp?D=HSGrad&C=45 " around 89-90% of Shasta county has atleast graduated from Highschool and while that is good, it may not be enough. Sure it can get you a job at a fast food joint or whatnot but to actually persue a career or have a great life...One would need more. Take my mother for instance. She only recieved her High School deploma and that was it. Her job had been working in a home for the mentally disabled and she now had major back problems. We suffered a lot of financial difficulties and there were times when she said she wished she had gone and did something with herself. And my grandmother, in her 60's is giong to college. But its sad how long it takes people to realize what they truly missed out on.
As sad as all of this is...I think that there could be a difference. I mean, no I wouldn't want it to be like Japan or anything. (They are really strict.) But there are many things that could be changed and the college getting the kids interested is a start...A few years from now, it could end up changing a lot of lives. Helping a lot of people out and keeping them motivated and interested. Not, "Oh I can't wait to get out of school, yeah I'm just going to work". Right now the difference in the state average and Shasta county average of just high school deplomas is 79-80% so there is a few numbers of difference but not by much.