The memo referenced in this blog post can be read here from the Lumina Foundation.
The Lumina Foundation released a memo directed towards incoming state governors regarding postsecondary education policies. The report, titled “Capitalizing on Postsecondary Education to Develop In-State Talent,” specifically focuses on Goal 2025. It asks governors to commit to ensuring that at least 60% of their state’s young adults earn some sort of degree or certificate by the year 2025.
What Lumina asks of governors
Overall, the goal is to address the talent shortage that so many industries face. Lumina utilizes statistics and data to make recommendations on improving postsecondary education. They emphasize that “mathematically, your state will not reach these lofty goals without aggressively educating the underserved.” Lumina recommends policies that encourage more underserved, minority students to gain a postsecondary education. Most importantly, it asks governors to ensure that education is affordable and attainable for all students.
Lumina recommends that governors first know and assess their state’s statistics and assets. This will allow them to best focus on then aligning their K-12, higher education, workforce development, and economic development systems and agencies. When these systems are coordinated and working together, states are more prepared to reach the goal of more attainable postsecondary education.
Finally, Lumina asks that governors select advisors and trustees who work together towards Goal 2025 and act in the public interest to make education attainable and affordable.
Education and the Workforce in Michigan
Earlier this year, the 21st Century Education Commission published “The Best Education System for Michigan’s Success,” a report which is the outcome of a working group that Talent 2025 President Kevin Stotts served on in Lansing. This report compares K-12 student performance data and Michigan’s low postsecondary attainment rates with the successes and strategies of other states to help Michigan meet its changing talent needs.
The report recommends a focus on a “P-20 education system,” meaning that the state should invest in formal education for pre-kindergarteners through postsecondary and workforce participation. It requires connection and cooperation for K-12, post-secondary education, and workforce development programs and leaders. The report also advises that Michigan must ensure that all students have access to high-quality education.
To read more about the specific recommendations, read the reports from the Lumina Foundation and Michigan’s 21st Century Education Commission. To get involved with education and workforce development with Talent 2025, check out our Working Groups.
