Educated workers: key to economic growth

Pasadena Star News

By: Cynthia Kurtz

Posted: 10/08/2014 

Educated workers are the key to sustained economic growth. Graduation rates are beginning to rise but too many youth are still lag behind. In the San Gabriel Valley, 22 percent of people over the age of 25 have less than a high school degree.

According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the United States had the world’s highest rate of high school graduation in 1970. By 2012 we had slipped to 21st.

The California Department of Education tracks graduation rates by gender and ethnicity.  According to the Department’s April 2014 release, 80 percent of the students who started high school in 2009 - 10 graduated with their class - a 1.3 percent increase from the prior year even though schools had experienced substantial budget cuts. In Los Angeles County the graduation rate in 2013 was 77 percent.

There are significant variations in graduation rates by gender and ethnicity. In 2013, Asian females had the higher graduation rate at 93 percent; 92 percent of all Asians and 90 percent of Asian males graduated.

Black males had the lowest graduation rate at 63 percent. Black females were a full 10 points higher at 73 percent for an average rate of 68 percent. Seventy-six percent of Hispanics graduated. Females led the way with a rate of 80 percent while males had a 71 percent rate. Eighty-eight percent of non-Hispanic whites graduated - 90 percent of females and 85 percent of males.

Those who fail to graduate cost the country an estimated $200 billion each year in reduced tax revenues with cost increases for public welfare and crime amounting to an estimated additional $24 billion a year.

School districts are trying to increase graduations rates by adding pre-school, smaller classes in early grades, and focusing on students with the greatest needs. Community groups are also helping.

The Boys and Girls Club of America is squarely focused on the impacts their after-school programs have on graduation rates. For every one hour spent in school, students spend two hours out of school. One in four kids have nowhere to go after school.

The Boys and Girls Club fills that time with structured activities. The 4,000+ chapters offer programs in career education, leadership, health, arts, and sports. “When school is out, Clubs are in.”

A recent study commissioned by the CA Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs found that every $1 invested in a Boys and Girls Club created $16 of economic impact including reducing social problems, enabling parents to work, giving teens volunteer service opportunities, and promoting graduation rates. Boys and Girls Club members have a 90 percent graduation rate. 

Nearly 102,000 youth participate at 117 Boys and Girls Club sites across Los Angeles County. Make a point of supporting your local Club. It is good for young people and for the economy.