Some studies have suggested a 65 percent attainment rate is key for strong economic growth going forward.
The new Bridging Ohio’s Workforce Gap plan was created by The Complete to Compete Ohio Coalition — a collection of 44 business and education groups.
Ohio has seen improvement in the past few years. The new report shows that Ohio’s educational attainment rate inched up by about a half-point per year in 2015, 2016 and 2017, then made a big jump, from 44.6 to 49.2 in 2018.
That aligns with data released earlier this year by the National Student Clearinghouse. That group said Ohio's six-year college completion rate rose from 53% for students entering in 2009 to 62% for those beginning college in 2013. That nine-point rise ranked second best in the country.
“Now, more than ever, Ohio must be a knowledge state,”said Lisa Gray, president of Ohio Excels, which is leading the 44-member coalition. “Ohioans must have the knowledge, skills and abilities acquired through training for in-demand jobs in order to get back on their feet and thrive.”
Bridging Ohio’s Workforce Gap
The plan lists five main strategies:
** Communicate to Ohioans how higher attainment boosts the prosperity of individuals and communities;
** Better align education, the workforce and social services around in-demand careers;
** Create more affordable routes to degrees and credentials to reduce student debt strain;
** Help get students well prepared to start a career or to finish a degree/credential on time;
** Create multi-sector partnerships to improve educational and workforce attainment.
About the Author
