When I had the “opportunity” to pursue college, it was only through a work program that expected me to maintain my overtime hours while also attending leadership grooming programs. Meanwhile those of a different socioeconomic class in the same building had better access to both time and education.
There's sentiment that "education is too expensive & not worth it anymore" this is a lie, education is worth it, sciences and arts are a common societal good, not a scarce luxury for the privileged few. Education has been privatised & commodified, turned to product rather than a societal necessity.