Postsecondary Success

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Postsecondary Success: "High School Is Not Enough"

Overview

We believe ALL Idahoans need an education that prepares them for college or the 21^st century workplace. Education or training beyond a high school diploma significantly improves a person’s earning capability, health/well-being, civic engagement, and more.

Yet, Idaho ranks in the bottom ten states in college participation, retention and completion. And, while the cost of postsecondary education or training is relatively less expensive in Idaho than surrounding states, tuition continues to increase at a much faster rate than inflation.

Idaho ranks 3^rd nationally in the projected need for associate degree holders. By 2018, 61% of jobs in Idaho (503,000) will require postsecondary education (national average=63%).
Between 2008 and 2018, Idaho will have 239,000 job vacancies of which 146,000 will require postsecondary credentials.
Between 2008 and 2018 new jobs requiring postsecondary education will grow by 65,000 while jobs for high school graduates and dropouts will grow by only 33,000 (1/2 the opportunities).
Idaho ranks 40^th nationally for students who progress from 9^th grade all the way through college (NCHEMS).

High School Is Not Enough Initiative Focus

Preparation: Improve overall student scores on college entrance exams . And, improve the ability to collect data to help identify ways to better prepare students for life beyond K-12.
Access: Continue to improve Idaho’s college-going national ranking.
Remediation: Decrease remediation rates.
Retention: Improve Idaho’s institutions of higher education retention rates from 50^th.
Completion: 60% of Idahoan’s complete a postsecondary certificate, degree or specialized training.

Resources

The Idaho Career Information System is filled with practical tools, resources, salary information and so much more – a great place to start if you need to know how to go on.
Go On Idaho – our video channel hosts short-form videos featuring Idaho heroes, celebrities and students who speak about the importance of going on.
Professional Technical Education for adult learners – find information about GED, adult basic education, veterans education and more.
Know How 2 Go has resources to help middle and high school students and those who mentor them.
FAFSA is the free application for student aid website. It’s where a student should start their exploration of how to pay for college.

High School Is Not Enough Initiative Programs