Improving Kentucky’s Higher Education Rates

Kentucky is beginning an aggressive initiative to improve the higher education rates among its residents. It is aiming to have 60% of the state’s population hold a post-secondary degree by 2030, hence the name 60×30. Currently, there are about 1.4 million adults in Kentucky without a postsecondary credential, and two-thirds of this population has never been enrolled in college. These numbers are startling, especially because low higher education rates can cause unemployment gaps and a higher rate of poverty throughout the state. The number of adult learners in Kentucky has fallen by 40% in the last decade, demonstrating the urgency for this initiative. 

There are several factors that impact the ability of adult learners to excel in a higher education setting. They often have family obligations that make it very difficult to attend classes at normal times. 48% of adult learners have children, but affordable childcare is very limited throughout the state of Kentucky. Work obligations can also make it very complicated for adult learners to attend regularly scheduled classes, so flexible academic scheduling must be available for part-time and full-time workers. This can include options ranging from nighttime to completely remote classes. These barriers must be addressed in order for Kentucky to meet its goal of educating 60% of its residents at a post-secondary level.

Pathways to Prosperity for Kentucky Adults
Source: Kentucky Student Success Collaborative

Releated

Shalom Lamm

The Power of Giving: Shalom Lamm’s Insights on the Impact of Non-Profit Donations

In a world where the challenges facing communities are vast, the importance of charitable giving cannot be overstated. Whether it’s providing support for local initiatives, advancing medical research, or offering relief to those in need, non-profit donations play a crucial role in driving positive change. However, the impact of generosity goes beyond just monetary contributions—it’s […]

When Art Truly Imitates Life: The Journey Of Award-Winning Filmmaker and Artist Ari Kim

By Mary Stone On Thursday, January 16, 2025, Galerie Shibumi in Chinatown will unveil “Mae-Deup (매듭),” a new exhibition by artist and award-winning filmmaker Ari Kim. “Mae-Deup” is a Korean term meaning “knot” or “connection,” and it reflects the traditional Korean art of decorative knotting, historically believed to symbolize the bonds that tie people together […]