About Northeast Ohio Population: 4.1 million in 16 counties 27 colleges and universities, 2 and 4 year 210,000 enrolled college students Low adult postsecondary participation rate (3.9%) 28.9% college attainment rate for adults 18 and older

 The Talent Dividend is a nationwide initiative to increase college attainment for economic prosperity.  Increasing the region’s attainment rate from 28.9% to 29.9% will yield an additional $2.8 billion in annual per capita income.  Northeast Ohio needs an additional 31,000 degree holders to achieve the Talent Dividend.  NOCHE set a planning agenda and formed a Northeast Ohio Steering Committee, which released an ambitious Action Plan in December.

 College attainment has made a huge contribution to national economic growth.  Now, attainment is declining while more educated workers leave the workforce.  We cannot get enough young people through college to replace the declining workforce.  Current working adults without a college credential can make a difference, too.  Regions with the most graduates have enjoyed the most income and productivity gains.  Source: Brian Bosworth’s presentation at the Talent Dividend Summit, December, 2010.

 By 2017, nearly 60% of all jobs in Ohio will require some education beyond high school.  Between now and 2018, the pace of job growth for college graduates will exceed that for high school graduates, resulting in five times as many jobs for those with a postsecondary credential than for those with a high school diploma.  Source: Carnevale (2010)

 A Steering Committee, comprised of regional civic, education, chambers of commerce, and foundation leaders, published this report.  To increase attainment, we are focusing on ◦ improving college readiness, ◦ increasing retention to degree completion, and ◦ increasing attainment among adults with some college but no degree.

 We can impact those three areas if we ◦ increase participation in dual enrollment programs, ◦ increase college knowledge, ◦ increase social support, encouragement, and accountability, ◦ engage employers in college recruitment, ◦ expand adult experiential learning pathways, and ◦ provide professional development for implementers.

 We have identified five critical metrics that will help us gauge progress toward achieving the Talent Dividend. They are ◦ on-time high school graduation rate; ◦ college continuation rate; ◦ adult postsecondary participation rate; ◦ college completion rate; and ◦ yearly change in degrees awarded.  NOCHE will track these metrics annually.

 Work with Steering Committee to develop a plan for implementation  Continue to cultivate support from regional stakeholders, especially from business  Identify implementers throughout Northeast Ohio’s communities  For more information, visit