Slide 1

Note: Data represents survey responses in 2000 from the cohort of 1988 8th graders; high school completion rates exclude GED recipients; college enrollment and completion percentages are as a percent of all 8th graders*Manhattan Institute estimates even lower high school graduation rates, and postsecondary education opportunity research shows lower rates for on-time college enrollment and attainmentSource: NCES National Education Longitudinal Study, 1988/2000; Parthenon analysis

Gaps in Attainment Are Caused by Failures at Critical Points Along the Education Pipeline

What is the Problem?What is the Problem?

For every ten students who start high school…

Seven will get a diploma (+1 will obtain a GED) Five will enroll in a postsecondary institution Fewer than three will complete a Bachelor’s degree within ten years

Slide 2

Scope of Problem: Astounding Scope of Problem: Astounding Number of Adults have Weak Skills Number of Adults have Weak Skills

and Credentialsand Credentials

• 88 million adults have a high school education or less– 36 million lack HS credential– 52 million ended their education with HS

diploma

• 65 million adults lack basic skills for success in college or the modern workplace

• Latino and African-American adults disproportionately affected– 60% of African American and 75% of Latino

adults have twelve or fewer years education

Slide 3

Occupational Credentials Have Occupational Credentials Have a Big Payoffa Big Payoff

• Earnings difference between community college occupational majors and high school graduates– One Year of Community College

• Male +8.0%• Female +5.4%

– Certificates• Male +6.5%• Female +16.3%

– Associate Degree• Male +30.2%• Female +47.0%