Higher education can have a marked impact on the economic success of individuals. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree opens up a world of possibilities, improving one’s financial security, decreasing participation in public assistance programs, and boosting overall workforce participation. With all of these benefits, there’s no surprise that states like Kentucky are making it their mission to support students in obtaining degrees.
In Kentucky, an individual with a bachelor’s degree will earn roughly $1 million more over the course of a lifetime than an individual with a high school diploma. Finding ways to support people in finding this success is a part of Kentucky’s 60 x 30 goal: achieving 60% of the population with a postsecondary credential by 2030.
Kentucky has already made strides in this goal, with a 7% increase in undergraduate degrees and credentials. However, work remains. For example, certain key groups such as low-income earners are experiencing declining undergraduate enrollment, which poses challenges for the overall goal.
Luckily, there are plans to address these negative trends. With help from the James Graham Brown Foundation, the CPE created The Kentucky Student Success Collaborative (KYSSC), which is the first-of-its-kind statewide student success initiative.
The KYSSC supports students in their basic needs, allowing them to better focus on their studies. It also improves transfer pathways and gateway course success.
Already, the KYSSC has seen improvements and grown its community of partners. In the upcoming years, the initiative hopes to play a part in Kentucky’s 60 x 30 goal, propelling the state into better economic outcomes with the help of new grads.
