Core Insights - The Zacks Schools industry is experiencing a rebound driven by increased demand for career-focused programs in healthcare, skilled trades, cybersecurity, and IT, supported by a labor market that values job-ready skills and government initiatives promoting non-degree pathways [1][2] - Digital innovation is a key differentiator, with institutions investing in adaptive learning tools and scalable online platforms to enhance engagement and support flexible learning for working adults [1][8] - The sector is undergoing consolidation as larger players acquire smaller institutions to broaden offerings and improve scale, with recent legislative changes like "Workforce Pell" expanding market opportunities for accredited programs [6][12] Industry Overview - The Zacks Schools industry includes for-profit education companies offering undergraduate, graduate, and specialized programs in various fields such as finance, healthcare, and technology [3] - The industry is focused on providing career-oriented programs that align with labor market needs, particularly in high-demand areas like nursing and cybersecurity [3][5] Trends Influencing Growth - There is a rising demand for workforce-oriented programs, particularly among adult learners and career switchers, as the labor market increasingly values job-ready skills over traditional degrees [4] - The healthcare sector is facing a significant shortage of skilled professionals, prompting educational institutions to design rigorous programs that meet workforce needs [5] - Digital transformation is driving interest in IT boot camps and tech-aligned certifications, where for-profit providers have established a scalable presence [4] Financial Performance and Market Position - The Zacks Schools industry has lagged the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector but has outperformed the S&P 500 Composite over the past year, with a collective gain of 20.6% [16] - The industry's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio is currently at 15.32X, lower than the S&P 500's 22.76X, indicating potential value opportunities [19] Company Highlights - Grand Canyon Education has seen a 10% increase in total online enrollment and a 42.1% stock surge over the past year, with earnings for 2025 expected to grow by 12.8% [25] - Laureate Education's stock has rallied 76.6% over the past year, with a projected earnings growth of 28.2% for 2025 [28] - Stride has experienced a 107.8% stock increase, with fiscal 2026 earnings expected to grow by 5.2% [32] - Lincoln Educational Services has surged 59.5% in stock price, with a projected earnings growth of 19.6% for 2025 [34] - Perdoceo Education's stock has risen 44.7%, with earnings for 2025 expected to grow by 10% [39]

Core Argument - The report emphasizes the vital role of hands-on education in cultivating curiosity, resilience, and empathy, especially in an era dominated by digital learning [3][6][15] - The author argues that over-reliance on screen-based learning can diminish persistence, problem-solving skills, and collaborative abilities [5][6][9] - The report advocates for prioritizing experiential, collaborative learning to equip the next generation with essential skills [6] Impact of Digital Learning - Digital tools, while convenient, can replace tactile experiences and foster impatience with trial and error [5][10] - The shift towards digital learning has led to students expecting immediate results and being less willing to embrace failure [10][11][12] Benefits of Hands-on Learning - Hands-on learning fosters problem-solving, critical thinking, and resilience through real-world challenges [9][14][21] - Collaborative hands-on projects promote teamwork, empathy, and understanding among students [15][16][17][20] - Hands-on education engages the whole person, developing life skills and preparing students to thrive in all aspects of life [20][21][22] Call to Action - The report urges parents, community members, and policymakers to support hands-on education through various means [27][28] - Encouraging exploration, questioning, and embracing challenges can contribute to raising creative, compassionate, and capable leaders [29]

Problem & Impact - Over 75% of college students doomscroll daily, indicating a widespread issue [1] - Doom scrolling increases anxiety and reduces life satisfaction, impacting well-being [2] - Passive content consumption lacks achievement, growth, and educational value [4] Solution & Strategy - Encourage active creation to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and a sense of purpose [4][5] - Schools should implement initiatives that place creation at the heart of digital learning experiences, such as stop-motion movie competitions and esports challenges [10][11] - Focus on the creative process and what children make with screens, rather than just measuring screen time [13][16] Supporting Data & Examples - A 2023 poll found that adults engaging in creative activities are 71% more likely to rate their mental health as very good or excellent [6] - Examples of creative activities include designing amusement parks, creating homes in virtual worlds, and crafting music tracks [7][8] - School initiatives like 3D printing competitions, where children designed plant pots, demonstrate the value of creative processes [12] Call to Action - Parents and children should collaborate on creative projects, celebrate their creations, and learn from each other [15] - Shift the focus from measuring screen time to measuring creative time [16]