More students drawn to public-service careers

AS the college Class of 2009 heads out into the world the next few months, the career paths these bright-eyed graduates are choosing should encourage a troubled nation.

A country in financial turmoil ought to cheer the fact that more college students than before are interested in public service and government — and the idea of giving something back.

Yes, of course, students flock to fields that offer the best chance of landing a job. Government offers more opportunities in certain disciplines than the private sector.

That only explains part of what is happening. Graduate schools of government and public policy are receiving a surge of applications.

"Young people today understand that government has a powerful role to play in solving these problems," said Sandra Archibald, dean of the Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington. Applications increased 26 percent this year.

College experts report fewer students seeking careers on Wall Street. The switch is obviously because of the enormous mess in the financial world.

More compelling, however, is where the students are going. Officials at universities report a trend toward government and public service. The energy and ideas of young people eager to help in social services, health care, energy and climate change will benefit communities.

The New York Times reminds us that college students flooded into civil engineering during the Great Depression seeking jobs, yes, but also to help the nation rebuild itself. They designed highways, dams and bridges. In the Sputnik era, the trend was toward sciences, and some of that is taking place today.

President Obama said during the campaign he wanted government to be cool again. Some will argue government could never be cool. High schools emphasizing community service also deserve credit for boosting interest in the public sector.

Perhaps. Yet young altruists can help chart the country's direction. Everyone benefits if an emerging generation devotes enthusiasm and bright ideas to the numerous public-policy problems vexing our nation.