ADVANCING EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

This year, the board delivered a first-of-its-kind national educational attainment map that will help inform education and policy leaders in Arizona and throughout the nation about opportunities and challenges in advancing attainment.

The U.S. map  shows attainment data by state and type of credential – degree, certificate, license, etc. as well as which states have set an attainment goal. Making use of publicly available data via the American Community Survey and Current Population Survey, the map provides accurate estimates of the number and percentage of people in all 50 states with bachelor’s, associate, graduate and professional degrees, as well as certifications and professional licenses.

Research shows that a more educated workforce, with degrees and credentials, is a critical indicator of a state’s economic health and long-term viability. The board continues to participate in Achieve60AZ, a community-based alliance that is raising support to help Arizona reach a goal of 60 percent of adults with a professional certificate or college degree by 2030. It’s projected that reaching the 60 percent attainment goal will increase tax revenues to the state by $3.5 billion annually; improve business recruitment efforts by providing a better workforce for employers; increase per capita earnings; and reduce poverty among Arizonans. In December, Rachel Yanof was hired as Achieve60AZ’s executive director.