The Ray Marshall Center has begun working with the Austin Area Research Organization (AARO) on the Workforce Potential Project, which is aimed at increasing the share of Central Texas adult residents who have a postsecondary degree or professional certifications so that they may go on to earn fair sustainable wages to support their families.
This Workforce Potential Project started in 2011 in response to the U.S. Census statistic that showed 56% of area residents lack a post-high school degree. Another report from 2010 by the Center for Public Policy Priorities showed that continued business as usual will lead to a shortfall of 54,000 people with bachelor and associate degrees by 2015. Without an accreditation or postsecondary degree, individuals tend to have reduced access to higher wage employment and fewer career advancement opportunities.
As part of this project, the Center is conducting labor market research to identify promising industry sectors and associated educational and career training programs for improving employment and earnings outcomes for those without postsecondary credentials. Presentation of research findings and recommendations for next steps are planned for late spring/summer 2012. Drs. Chris King and Bob Glover will serve as co-principal investigators on the project.
AARO is a community non-profit organization comprised of business and community leaders in Central Texas. Their mission seeks to advance the economic and social-well being of Central Texas by researching addressing policy issues in 6 priority areas of education, energy & water, health care, higher education, social equity, and transportation.
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