Bill aims to increase the number of grads
A new study by the Public Policy Institute of California has found that the state is facing a looming shortage of skilled, college-educated workers.
The study projects that by 2025, only 32 percent of working adults will have a college degree, up only 1 percent from 2005. However, it is expected that one out of every five jobs will require a college degree, up one-third from 2005.
“Inevitably, if education levels in the state don’t catch up, the economy will adjust in one way or another,” said study co-author Deborah Reed. “The workforce of 2025 will be skilled, but not be as skilled – and the economy not as productive or high-income – as current projections imply.”
The report, “Can California Import Enough College Graduates to Meet Workforce Needs?” said California shouldn’t count on importing qualified workers from other states and countries to fill its need for qualified workers. California is increasingly unable to retain its own college graduates, with tens of thousands moving out each year. In addition, the arrival rate of college-educated workers from abroad would have to more than double to meet projected demand, according to the study.
“For either foreign or domestic migrants to fill California’s skills gap would require migration of unprecedented magnitude,” said study co-author Hans Johnson. “That seems implausible, if not impossible.”
The report said the realities working against increased migration to California include difficulty in changing federal immigration law, fast-growing competition for skilled workers from other states and countries, and California’s exceptionally high housing prices.
The focus therefore needs to be on increasing college entrance and graduation rates, according to the study. Together with immigration, elevating Californians’ education levels has the greatest potential for easing the gulf between workers and jobs of the future.
“Public policy has a critical role to play because the vast majority of California’s college students are attending public institutions,” Johnson said. “The state has significant latitude to implement policies that could directly address participation and completion rates – and if there was ever a time to do that, it’s now.”
Meantime, one California lawmaker is hoping to attack the issue via legislation. Sen. Jack Scott, D-Altadena, has introduced a bill that guarantees middle schoolers a spot in college and financial aid. SB 890 creates the “Save Me a Spot In College Pledge,” which encourages students in grades 6-9 to commit to finishing high school, take challenging courses, achieve proficiency in English and math and apply to college and financial aid programs. Targeting low-income students and foster youths, the bill provides eligible students with a spot in community college, CSU or UC and provides them with a Community College Fee Waiver or Cal Grant.
To show their support for the bill, more than 400 students are scheduled to descend on the State Capitol May 31 for a rally and lobby day. In addition, more than 8,000 middle graders and high schoolers have entered the “Save Me a Spot in College Contest,” in which 200 $100,000 scholarships will be awarded during the event.
For more information on Senate Bill 890, visit the Campaign for College Opportunity online at www.collegecampaign.org.