1. Slide 1 Note: Data represents survey responses in 2000 from the cohort of 1988 8 th graders; high school completion rates exclude GED recipients; college enrollment and completion percentages are as a percent of all 8 th graders *Manhattan Institute estimates even lower high school graduation rates, and postsecondary education opportunity research shows lower rates for on-time college enrollment and attainment Source: NCES National Education Longitudinal Study, 1988/2000; Parthenon analysis Gaps in Attainment Are Caused by Failures at Critical Points Along the Education Pipeline What is the Problem? For every ten students who start high school… Seven will get a diploma (+1 will obtain a GED)Five will enroll in a postsecondary institution Fewer than three will complete a Bachelor’s degree within ten years

2. Slide 2 Scope of Problem: Astounding Number of Adults have Weak Skills and Credentials 88 million adults have a high school education or less –36 million lack HS credential –52 million ended their education with HS diploma 65 million adults lack basic skills for success in college or the modern workplace Latino and African-American adults disproportionately affected –60% of African American and 75% of Latino adults have twelve or fewer years education

3. Slide 3 Occupational Credentials Have a Big Payoff Earnings difference between community college occupational majors and high school graduates –One Year of Community College Male+8.0% Female+5.4% –Certificates Male+6.5% Female+16.3% –Associate Degree Male+30.2% Female+47.0%