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A post-secondary degree has become increasingly essential for success in the current economy. However, given that financial aid has not kept pace (pdf) with the skyrocketing costs (pdf) of higher education, getting that college degree has become much more challenging. The government has a clear role to play in making higher education accessible for all qualified students. In addition to providing the funds, the government can also help students manage (and insure against) the risks presented by post-secondary school.

"Anyone in the development world has heard the mantra, 'there is no such thing as a natural disaster.' Yes, earthquakes are outside the realm of human control, but vulnerability and resilience are not. In a recent article, Oxfam America, which is currently responding in Haiti, writes that recovery from this earthquake will be "especially [hard for] a nation saddled with deep poverty and minimal infrastructure.""

The latest issue of Rolling Stone hit newsstands today, but most Americans already know about the stunning feature inside of it: the profile of General Stanley McChrystal, former commander of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan. The now-infamous article features harsh comments critical of the Obama administration made by McChrystal and some of his aides. The general was called to the White House for a meeting on June 23, where President Obama accepted his resignation and nominated General David Petraeus to be McChrystal's replacement.

t's been one month to the day since mother earth's voice vibrated through the capital of Haiti, and humanity banded together to muster support in the face of this boundary breaking natural disaster. As the chaos slowly settles, concerns are now arising about whether donations are reaching those for whom its intended. Cell phone companies have experienced backlash from costumers demanding that Haiti donation text message fees be waived. Financial institutions had a similar push back with online donation fees. The prominent aid site YELE HAITI came under scrutiny for their past handling of funds. E-mails circulated asking that donations not be made to the American Red Cross, citing previous glitches in Hurricane Katrina relief.

While most young professionals spend their days holed up in cubicles, Jared Talarski, 29, has made a career captaining a schooner and lending a hand to those in need. He spoke with YPNation about his sailing career and recent relief voyage to Haiti on the Liberty Schooner.