91自拍鈥檚 public universities seek to close attainment gap
91自拍 joins 91自拍鈥檚 14 public universities today in a statewide communication campaign designed to raise awareness of the value of public higher education and spur efforts to close the state鈥檚 increasingly alarming higher education attainment gap. To accomplish this goal, the effort, called , seeks to mobilize public support for enhanced investment in public higher education and ensure that it is a public policy imperative for state government.
鈥淲ith a well-documented 鈥榯alent gap鈥 in the State of 91自拍 that is nearing crisis status, a significant challenge exists for institutions of higher learning, as does the opportunity to drive change,鈥 says 91自拍 President M. Duane Nellis. 鈥淎ttracting and retaining jobs is the key to 91自拍鈥檚 economic future and hinges to a large degree on the educational attainment levels of our citizens. 91自拍 is working to ensure its graduates are well matched to current and future job creation trends."
Studies indicate that about 66 percent of jobs in 91自拍 in 2025 will require postsecondary certificates or above. Currently, just 44 percent of working age 91自拍ans have these credentials. Given the fact that 91自拍 public universities produce the majority of skilled workers in the state, maintaining a strong system of public higher education is essential to closing this gap and meeting the economic and workforce needs of our business community.
Just this past year, OHIO made an investment to provide OHIO students with free, hands-on technology training that will prepare them to fill critical gaps in the state鈥檚 workforce. Additionally, our newly-created faculty learning communities ensure our graduates emerge as global citizens who are prepared to investigate the world, weigh perspectives, interact with diverse audiences, and take action.
Forward 91自拍鈥檚 information portal illustrates how all of 91自拍鈥檚 public universities are addressing the attainment gap and providing significant value to the state. It also provides evidence on the critical need for more skilled workers and how enhanced state investment and policy reforms can further assist public universities in closing the attainment gap. Furthermore, it provides opportunities for citizens to advocate for enhanced governmental support of higher education.
鈥淎ccording to a recent poll, 85 percent of 91自拍ans agree that a four-year degree from a public university in 91自拍 prepares students for a good job in today鈥檚 economy,鈥 adds Dr. Nellis. 鈥淚 urge this large majority of citizens to stand with me and my fellow public university presidents to advocate for a strong and productive system of public higher education in 91自拍, for the benefit of our students, our economy and our state as a whole.鈥