College and Career Readiness

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College and Career Readiness: “High School Is Not Enough”

Overview

Imagine the key challenges that face our youngest learners:  Idaho students entering kindergarten today will need to be prepared for jobs that don’t exist; learn technology that hasn’t been invented; have solutions for problems yet to be identified; be equipped to navigate an ever-changing global economy; and learn to continually adapt to and compete against countries who will have more ‘honors’ students than the total US student population.

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 3rd nationally in the projected need for some college.
    • By 2018, 61% of jobs in Idaho (503,000) will require postsecondary education (national average is 63%).  Currently, only 34% of Idaho’s population has a credential or degree.
    • 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).

 

Resources

    • Go On Idaho – our website provides resources and hosts short-form videos featuring Idaho heroes, celebrities and students who speak about the importance of going on.
    • Take the Go On Pledge – urging 100,000 Idaho teens to pledge to some form of education or training beyond high school and equipping them with the tools they need to help them Go On.
    • 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.
    • 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.

 

Project Pages